demonism

American  

[dee-muh-niz-uhm] / ˈdi məˌnɪz əm /

noun

1. belief in demons.

2. the study of demons; demonology.

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demonism British  

/ ˈdiːməˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. 1. belief in the existence and power of demons

   2. worship of demons

2. another word for demonology

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Other Word Forms

• demonist noun

Etymology

Origin of demonism

First recorded in 1690–1700; demon- + -ism

Example Sentences

I'd still like to see more of Richard's demonism to balance the sardonic humour.

From The Guardian • Jul. 25, 2012

In Jonathan Church's breathtaking revival, it gets a performance of memorable comic demonism from Henry Goodman.

From The Guardian • Jul. 12, 2012

But, as directed by Ian Talbot, it is all preposterous fun and John Gordon Sinclair, despite his lack of visibility, excellently suggests the tormented demonism of the hero.

From The Guardian • Nov. 24, 2010

Goblinism and demonism have great effect on the mores, probably because demonism is so original and universal in all religions, and so popular in its hold on the minds of all.

From Folkways A Study of the Sociological Importance of Usages, Manners, Customs, Mores, and Morals by Sumner, William Graham

In sober truth, it brought about a veritable renaissance of the cruder theories of demonism, while its intolerance of opposition succeeded in stifling the voice of criticism for centuries.

From Religion & Sex Studies in the Pathology of Religious Development by Cohen, Chapman