demonic

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Coming from, belonging to or like a demon or evil spirit.

   Grammar: Goes before a noun or after be: a demonic voice; the laughter was demonic.

   Patterns

   • demonic possession
   • a demonic force

   The film is about a girl said to be under demonic influence.

   The old book describes demonic rituals in the forest.

   A demonic laugh echoed through the empty house.

2. 2adjectivecomparablefigurative

   Extremely cruel, wicked or frighteningly intense.

   Grammar: Often used for people, looks, speed or energy.

   Patterns

   • with demonic energy

   The villain had a demonic grin.

   He ran at demonic speed to catch the bus.

   She attacked the work with demonic energy.

Word forms

Common combinations

demonic possession

The priest was called to treat a case of demonic possession.

demonic laughter

Demonic laughter filled the cellar.

demonic force

The story features a demonic force in the walls.

demonic grin

The clown had a demonic grin.

demonic energy

The drummer played with demonic energy.

Synonyms and how they differ

devilish

Devilish can be playful or mischievous, while demonic is much darker and more serious.

fiendish

Fiendish usually describes cruel or very clever plans and often has a teasing tone, unlike demonic.

satanic

Satanic ties directly to Satan and religion, while demonic is broader and can be purely figurative.

diabolical

Diabolical is often used loosely for very bad things, even for bad weather, and is less about spirits.

Opposites

Word family

demon noun

an evil spirit

demonically adverb

in a wicked, spirit-like manner

demonize verb

to portray someone as evil

demonology noun

the study of demons and belief in them

Commonly confused: demonic or demoniac?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “demonic”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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