demon-

¹ American  

1. variant of demono- before a vowel.

   demonism.

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demon ² American  

[dee-muhn] / ˈdi mən /

noun

1. an evil spirit; devil or fiend.

2. an evil passion or influence.

3. a person considered extremely wicked, evil, or cruel.

4. a person with great energy, drive, etc..

   He's a demon for work.

5. a person, especially a child, who is very mischievous.

   His younger son is a real little demon.

6. daemon.

7. Australian Slang. a policeman, especially a detective.

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adjective

1. of, pertaining to, characteristic of, or noting a demon.

2. possessed or controlled by a demon.

demon British  

/ ˈdiːmən /

noun

1. an evil spirit or devil

2. a person, habit, obsession, etc, thought of as evil, cruel, or persistently tormenting

3. Also called: daemon.   daimon.  an attendant or ministering spirit; genius

   the demon of inspiration

4. 1. a person who is extremely skilful in, energetic at, or devoted to a given activity, esp a sport

      a demon at cycling

   2. ( as modifier )

      a demon cyclist

5. a variant spelling of daemon

6. informal a detective or policeman

7. computing a part of a computer program, such as a help facility, that can run in the background behind the current task or application, and which will only begin to work when certain conditions are met or when it is specifically invoked

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Usage

What does demon- mean? Demon- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “demon.” It is used in a few technical terms, especially in theology.Demon- comes from the Greek daimónion, meaning “thing of divine nature” and ultimate source of the English word demon. Among Jewish and Christian writers, daimónion was used to mean “evil spirit.”Demon- is a variant of demono-, which loses its -o- when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels.Want to know more? Read our Words That Use demono- article.

Etymology

Origin of demon

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin daemonium < Greek daimónion, thing of divine nature (in Jewish and Christian writers, evil spirit), neuter of daimónios, derivative of daímōn; demon ( def. 6 ) < Latin; daemon

Example Sentences

But cultists are cultists, and when a local man starts recruiting teens to slay the demons haunting the area, an investigation by the three reveals his much larger, more elder-goddish plans.

From The Wall Street Journal

Fragile mental health led to his withdrawal from the Beach Boys in the 1970s, but he overcame his demons to perform again late in life.

From BBC

Driven by inner demons, he destroys all that he loves.

From The Wall Street Journal

It follows Kit Herondale, Ty Blackthorn and Drusilla Blackthorn from The Dark Artifices series, as they are drawn into the final conflict between the side of demons and the side of angels.

From BBC

“I was helpless because I was fighting a demon bigger than the both of us,” Zagaroli says.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• fiend
• malignant spirit
• monster
• vampire
• villain