demonization

American  

[dee-muh-nahy-zey-shuhn] / ˌdi mə naɪˈzeɪ ʃən /

especially British, demonisation

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.

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Etymology

Origin of demonization

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

demonization

But their return still set off panicked media coverage and conspiracy theories as well as the demonization of those involved in the rescue.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 20, 2026

The demonization efforts have wound up being one giant publicity campaign for a medication that, for so many years, most women didn’t even know was an option.

From Slate ● Jun. 18, 2024

That was part of the demonization — you become emotionally invested in what you're defending.

From Salon ● Feb. 27, 2024

But what I found was something that felt rather comforting, its deep dives into multiple scorched-earth breakups showing the way miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings and unfair demonization.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 6, 2023

Unreflected celebration of technocracy as the sole agent of change must be treated with the same suspicion as its demonization.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Mihai Nadin