demonic

Also de·mon·i·cal
Or dae·mon·ic

[dih-mon-ik]

adjective

1. inspired as if by a demon, indwelling spirit, or genius.

   Synonyms: possessed, obsessed, frenzied, frantic

2. demoniac.

demonic

/ dɪˈmɒnɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a demon; fiendish

2. inspired or possessed by a demon, or seemingly so

   demonic laughter

Other Word Forms

• demonically adverb
• superdemonic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of demonic¹

1655–65; < Late Latin daemonicus < Greek daimonikós, equivalent to daimon- demon- + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

Britton put it even more plainly: “Anything that wasn’t Christian got demonized. And once something is seen as demonic, it’s easier to police. It’s easier to ban. It’s easier to fear.”

From Los Angeles Times

Bravura cinematography aligned the audience point of view with Lorraine’s terrifying otherworldly dreams of hauntings, possessions and demonic presence.

From Los Angeles Times

We can also suppose that his violent language that usually results in death threats does not trouble their consciences, as it retaliates against people his voters regard as evil or even demonic.

From Salon

In the “Exorcist” maze, for instance, that means witnessing a full exorcism, complete with special effects that will have walls give way to demonic specters.

From Los Angeles Times

The rain might have been a great leveller if it hadn't been for the demonic intensity of the Wallabies.

From BBC

Related Words

• crazed 
• devilish 
• infernal 
• maniacal 
• manic 
• satanic