Main Entry: de·mon

Variant(s): or dae·mon \ˈdē-mən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English demon, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin daemon evil spirit, from Latin, divinity, spirit, from Greek daimōn, probably from daiesthai to distribute — more at tide

Date: 13th century

1 a : an evil spirit b : a source or agent of evil, harm, distress, or ruin
2 usually daemon : an attendant power or spirit : genius
3 usually daemon : a supernatural being of Greek mythology intermediate between gods and men
4 : one that has exceptional enthusiasm, drive, or effectiveness <a demon for work>

— de·mo·ni·an \di-ˈmō-nē-ən\ adjective

— de·mon·i·za·tion \ˌdē-mə-nə-ˈzā-shən\ noun

— de·mon·ize \ˈdē-mə-ˌnīz\ transitive verb