Demonic Meaning
/dɪˈmɒnɪk/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjPertaining to demons or evil spirits; demoniac.
adjPertaining to daemons in ancient Greek thought; concerning supernatural ‘genius’.
Sentence Examples
"You hear voices in your head?" "Yes, demonic voices."
Hey, is that a demonic duck of some sort?
CEFR Practice Quiz
The historian found a ____ figure carved into the medieval church wall.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The old house was rumored to be haunted by a ____ presence, causing strange noises and unsettling events.
Word Origin & History
From Latin daemonicus, from Ancient Greek δαιμονικός (daimonikós, “possessed by a demon, sent by a demon”), from δαίμων (daímōn), equivalent to demon + -ic. Doublet of daimonic.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Aristotle concedes that the nature of the dream is indeed daemonic [translating dämonischer], but not divine – which might well reveal a profound meaning, if one could hit on the right translation."
— 1999, Sigmund Freud, translated by Joyce Crick, The Interpretation of Dreams, section I:
"Lifton goes on to argue that they can commit these demonic acts because they rationalize their behaviour. A whole array of rationalizations justified the murder of innocent men, women and children."
— 2009, Peter Fleming, Stelios C. Zyglidopoulos, Charting Corporate Corruption: Agency, Structure and Escalation, page 40:
"Texts show the star prime time host Tucker Carlson calling Mr. Trump a “demonic force,” […]"
— 2023 April 1, Jonathan Weisman, quoting Tucker Carlson, “Trump and Fox News, Twin Titans of Politics, Hit With Back-to-Back Rebukes”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The historian found a ____ figure carved into the medieval church wall.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The old house was rumored to be haunted by a ____ presence, causing strange noises and unsettling events.