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

In most school curricula, the Holocaust serves as the primary, often exclusive, lens through which the demonization of Jews is understood.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

It is always fascinating to observe how these normalizing views are presented from a place of privilege and far away from the obvious victims of repression and demonization.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2025

Perhaps more poignantly, Rufo’s ceaseless demonization of others goes against so much of what Salam was known for earlier in his career—and what he said he would do with the Manhattan Institute.

From Slate • Sep. 25, 2024

"What troubles me is the demonization of addiction, of human frailty, using me as its avatar and the devastating consequences it has for the millions struggling with addiction."

From Reuters • Nov. 2, 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 Nadin, Mihai