Satanist

American  

[seyt-n-ist] / ˈseɪt nˌɪst /

noun

1. a person who engages in 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 person who participates in a deliberate inversion of Christian rites in which Satan is worshiped.

3. Also satanist a person with a diabolical or satanic disposition or who engages in diabolical behavior; an evil person.

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adjective

1. relating to or engaging in any of a highly diverse group of religious, philosophical, or countercultural practices centered around Satan.

2. Also satanist diabolical; evil; satanic.

Other Word Forms

• Satanistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of Satanist

First recorded in 1555–65; Satan ( def. ) + -ist ( def. )

Example Sentences

At Harvard Divinity School, he was again immersed in religious diversity — even a Satanist was there.

From Seattle Times

“Just to squash that, I’m not a Satanist or any kind of, like, evil witch, light-worker,” she said, adding that she’s become well-practiced at avoiding unwanted identities the public thrusts upon her.

From Los Angeles Times

When internet trolls called Doja Cat a Satanist, she cut off her hair, doused herself in fake blood, filmed a video in which she danced with the grim reaper, and called herself a "demon lord".

From BBC

The musical guests this week, Boygenius, performed “Not Strong Enough” and “Satanist,” and the three women from the band appeared briefly in the Sivan sketch.

From Los Angeles Times

From blood-harvesting Satanists who stealthily run the world to shapeshifting alien lizards invading the world, conspiracy theories often offer alternative explanations of unsettling events.

From Scientific American

Related Words

• charmer
• genius
• virtuoso
• witch
• wizard