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 my professional opinion, the demonization of hormone replacement therapy for perimenopausal women and the underappreciation of its health benefits ranks among the greatest mistakes of modern medicine.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 10, 2025

“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 • Sep. 18, 2025

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

"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