demoniac

[ dih-moh-nee-ak, dee-muh-nahy-ak ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or like a demon; demonic:

   demoniac laughter.

   Antonyms: angelic

2. possessed by or as by an evil spirit; raging; frantic.

noun

1. a person seemingly possessed by a demon or evil spirit.

demoniac

/ dɪˈməʊnɪˌæk /

adjective

1. of, like, or suggestive of a demon; demonic
2. suggesting inner possession or inspiration

   the demoniac fire of genius

3. frantic; frenzied; feverish

   demoniac activity

noun

1. a person possessed by an evil spirit or demon

Derived Forms

• ˌdemoˈniacally, adverb

Other Words From

• de·mo·ni·a·cal·ly [dee-m, uh, -, nahy, -ik-lee], adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of demoniac¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin daemoniacus < Greek daimoniakós, equivalent to daimóni ( os ) pertaining to a daemon + -akos -ac

Example Sentences

It illustrates, rather, their civilized need of special spiritual nurture while breasting the demoniac fury of modern warfare.

From Time

At the mention of the Merrill Horse, Poindexter's countenance took on a demoniac expression.

From Project Gutenberg

Others came with demoniac yells, climbing upon the limbers and shooting horses.

From Project Gutenberg

When the Count saw my face, his eyes blazed with a sort of demoniac fury, and he suddenly made a grab at my throat.

From Project Gutenberg

In his “Convulsionaries of Tangier” he has depicted with wild, demoniac energy the religious frenzy of a Turkish sect.

From Project Gutenberg

But the arrival of the dark rider brought the demoniac singing to an end.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• maniac
• psychopath
• psychotic