Satanism

American  

[seyt-n-iz-uhm] / ˈseɪt nˌɪz əm /

noun

1. any of a highly diverse group of religious, philosophical, or countercultural practices centered around Satan, either as a deity or a nontheistic symbol of enlightenment, individualism, or ethical egoism.

2. a deliberate inversion of Christian rites in which Satan is worshiped.

3. Also satanism diabolical or satanic disposition, behavior, or activity.

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Satanism British  

/ ˈseɪtəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the worship of Satan

2. a form of such worship which includes blasphemous or obscene parodies of Christian prayers, etc

3. a satanic disposition or satanic practices

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Other Word Forms

• Satanist noun

Etymology

Origin of Satanism

First recorded in 1555–65; Satan + -ism

Example Sentences

“Late Night With the Devil” twists that camaraderie around on itself, layering in familiar 1970s horror tropes about demonic possession, Satanism and the occult.

From New York Times • Mar. 21, 2024

"Satanism stands for everything I believe in," he says.

From BBC • May 19, 2023

Satanism scored a 10% favorable rating versus 58% who rated the religion unfavorably.

From Washington Times • Mar. 6, 2023

In the 1980s, the roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons was deemed to be some type of gateway to Satanism and cults.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2021

There remained only the Black Mass, to make me thoroughly acquainted with Satanism as it is practised in our day.

From Là-bas by Wallace, Keene

Related Words

• witchcraft