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

Other Word Forms

• demoniacally 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

His demoniac speed and guile were crucial in the quarterfinals when the Springboks edged France two weeks ago.

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“The national honor elated the demoniac,” Ford wrote.

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Memes of his demoniac look, arms crossed across his chest, had gone viral, as did the gif of him dancing with a woman in the crowd.

Read more on The Guardian

Second, those diagnosed as “demoniacs” often get spiritual rather than medical attention.

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In a long and unprotected life I have seen and heard the vomitings of demoniac humans before.

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Related Words

• atrocious 
• barbarous 
• bitter 
• brutal 
• callous 
• cold-blooded 
• evil 
• harsh 
• hateful 
• heartless 
• inhuman 
• inhumane 
• merciless 
• painful 
• relentless 
• ruthless 
• sadistic 
• spiteful 
• tyrannical 
• unkind