diabolism

noun

di·​ab·​o·​lism dī-ˈa-bə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce diabolism (audio)
1
: dealings with or possession by the devil
2
: belief in or worship of devils
3
: evil character or conduct
diabolist noun

Examples of diabolism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Whatever their theme — spectral invasion, diabolism, shape-changing — Blackwood expertly builds up an atmosphere of the otherworldly coupled with the spiritually threatening. Washington Post, 9 Dec. 2020 In this riposte to #MeToo diabolism, Tarantino finally finds a social context that challenges his audience. Armond White, National Review, 26 July 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diabolism.' 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

Late Latin diabolus or Greek diábolos devil entry 1 + -ism

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of diabolism was in 1614

Dictionary Entries Near diabolism

Cite this Entry

“Diabolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diabolism. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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