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

He was shy, introverted and “adamantly against Satanism,” a friend said.

From Los Angeles Times

“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

The “moral panic” of Satanism, the “stranger danger” panic of our parents.

From Salon

He says he moved from atheism to Satanism only recently.

From BBC

Satanism is defined as worshipping the devil, and typically involves rejecting Christian symbols and practices - such as by placing crosses upside down.

From BBC

Related Words

• witchcraft