demonic

adjective

de·​mon·​ic di-ˈmä-nik How to pronounce demonic (audio)
dē-
variants or less commonly demonical
: of, relating to, or suggestive of a demon : fiendish
demonic cruelty
demonic laughter
demonically adverb

Examples of demonic in a Sentence

the villain in the movie cackled with demonic laughter
Recent Examples on the Web Heather begins talking to Daisy through the TV, showcasing some demonic quirks. Addie Morfoot, Variety, 21 Mar. 2024 Some of that though, may go over the head of a kindergartner who may not be able to differentiate between the hilarious comedic timing of the actors and the sinister intentions of an on-screen demonic ghoul. Kristina Behr, Parents, 21 Mar. 2024 According to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Indiana State Police for Anderson’s arrest, Anderson allegedly made references to exorcism and demonic possession regarding her 5-year-old son in Facebook posts in March 2022. Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2024 This faction of the far-right, which views liberals as satanic and demonic, represents a radical and dangerous movement that shouldn’t really be described as Christian, Phillips said. Will Carless, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 Hereditary, the tale of a demonic cult that infiltrates a family across generations, is saturated with both dread and disturbing imagery (much of it involving heads getting violently separated from their bodies). Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024 When Tyrone the demonic socket puppet comes alive on Jason’s hand, all hell breaks loose. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2024 The Witches concerns a conspiracy of demonic crones bent on eradicating kids altogether. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 29 Feb. 2024 The man best known for playing Pinhead, an extra-dimensional, demonic Cenobite creature sprung from the imagination of horrormeister Clive Barker, is modest and engaging and, pun intended, not at all prickly about the honor. Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'demonic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin daemonicus, borrowed from Greek daemonikós, from daimon-, daímōn "superhuman power, spirit intermediate between gods and humans, demon" + -ikos -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of demonic was in 1662

Dictionary Entries Near demonic

Cite this Entry

“Demonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demonic. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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