satanism

noun

sa·​tan·​ism ˈsā-tə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce satanism (audio)
often capitalized
1
: innate wickedness
2
: obsession with or affinity for evil
specifically : worship of Satan marked by the travesty of Christian rites
satanist noun often capitalized

Examples of satanism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 1865, the Vatican News said, university professor Vincenzo Pepe persuaded Longo to ditch satanism. Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025 Some of the messages — which were exchanged through platforms including Skype, Zoom and Teleguard — included references to drug use, satanism and child torture. Muri Assuncao, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025 The Bloody Mary singer has never publicly expressed interest in satanism, and has been vocal about her belief in Christianity. Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 6 May 2025 With townspeople convinced that the athlete was sucked up by the waves of satanism spreading across the country, a group of outcasts in a band named Dethkrunch decides to lean into the panic, turning the members into targets themselves. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for satanism

Word History

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of satanism was in 1565

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Cite this Entry

“Satanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/satanism. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

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