demigod
Americannoun
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a mythological being who is partly divine and partly human; an inferior deity.
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a deified mortal.
noun
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a mythological being who is part mortal, part god
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a lesser deity
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a person with outstanding or godlike attributes
Other Word Forms
- demigoddess noun
Etymology
Origin of demigod
1520–30; translation of Latin sēmideus. See demi-, god ( def. )
Explanation
A demigod is a divine mythological figure, a god who is either part human, or a minor god. In ancient Greece, dead heroes were sometimes thought of as demigods. Greek and Roman mythology have their share of demigods, and so do many other ancient religions and traditions. The half-divine Heracles, the son of a mortal woman and the god Zeus, is often described as one of the most important demigods in ancient Greece. The word demigod comes from the roots demi, "half," from the Latin dimidius, and god.
Vocabulary lists containing demigod
"The Hero’s Journey" and "Myths and Legends"
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UCPS 6th Grade Roots List #7
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Speaking of the 2016 film, Dwayne Johnson, who voiced the shapeshifter demigod and hero of men in the animated “Moana,” will also portray the live-action version of the arrogant trickster.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025
"But if Maradona was a demigod, Kvaratskhelia is the Pope. He has a totally different attitude, a totally different personality."
From BBC • Apr. 6, 2023
The production is in the early stages — no director has been announced — but Dwayne Johnson is set to return as the demigod Maui.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 3, 2023
"I’m deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen," said Johnson, who voiced the role of the demigod Maui in the original film.
From Reuters • Apr. 3, 2023
“Says the demigod who fell into Tartarus and found his way back.”
From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
