demonization

especially British, de·mon·i·sa·tion

[dee-muh-nahy-zey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act or fact of regarding, treating, or speaking of a person or thing as entirely bad.

   These bitter people carry on a systematic, unremitting demonization of the government, blaming it for whatever ails the economy.

2. the act or fact of subjecting a person or thing to the influence of evil spirits; possession or oppression by a demon.

   The effects of curses and occult rituals often involve demonization, and need to be revealed by the Holy Spirit.

Word History and Origins

Origin of demonization¹

demoniz(e) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

The environmental, social, and governance label remains a selling point for European investors, despite its demonization in the U.S. these days.

Read more on Barron's

Melanie Phillips, a columnist for the Times of London, says the attack in Manchester “took place against the backdrop of two years of demonization, incitement and intimidation directed at the Jewish community.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This demonization is inspiring violence across the country.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Make no mistake, this type of rhetoric is contributing to the surge in assaults of officers through their repeated vilification and demonization."

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“You know what I’m talking … What I’m saying is there was no demonization, amplification about that woman before she died. It was a specific crime against her by somebody who knew her.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times