demonization

especially British, de·mon·i·sa·tion

[dee-muh-nahy-zey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act or fact of regarding, treating, or speaking of a person or thing as entirely bad.

   These bitter people carry on a systematic, unremitting demonization of the government, blaming it for whatever ails the economy.

2. the act or fact of subjecting a person or thing to the influence of evil spirits; possession or oppression by a demon.

   The effects of curses and occult rituals often involve demonization, and need to be revealed by the Holy Spirit.

Word History and Origins

Origin of demonization¹

demoniz(e) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

This demonization is inspiring violence across the country.

From Los Angeles Times

"Make no mistake, this type of rhetoric is contributing to the surge in assaults of officers through their repeated vilification and demonization."

From BBC

“You know what I’m talking … What I’m saying is there was no demonization, amplification about that woman before she died. It was a specific crime against her by somebody who knew her.”

From Los Angeles Times

And as we see an increased political polarization, and the increased demonization of political rivals, we see the decline and disappearance of political discourse and policymaking.

From Salon

An outspoken supporter of Israel who has decried a “demonization of Zionism” at the university, Pearl was the co-recipient of a $1.2-million National Science Foundation grant suspended in late July.

From Los Angeles Times