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

“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

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

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

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2024

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