Satanist

American

[seyt-n-ist] / ˈseɪt nˌɪst /

noun

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.
a person who participates in a deliberate inversion of Christian rites in which Satan is worshiped.
Also satanist a person with a diabolical or satanic disposition or who engages in diabolical behavior; an evil person.

adjective

relating to or engaging in any of a highly diverse group of religious, philosophical, or countercultural practices centered around Satan.
Also satanist diabolical; evil; satanic.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Satanistic

adjective

Etymology

Origin of Satanist

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From Seattle Times • Apr. 21, 2024

Abprallen designer Erik Carnell, who denies being a Satanist, took a poke at critics last weekend by posing on Instagram wearing a “Satan respects pronouns” T-shirt and no pants.

From Washington Times • Jun. 20, 2023

"I feel like I've always been quote-unquote a Satanist, I just didn't know it."

From BBC • May 19, 2023

Internet conspiracy theorists have suggested he was a Satanist or an FBI informant.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2022

After his death, it is said to have unmasked altogether, and Adriano Lemmi himself is depicted as an avowed Satanist.

From Devil-Worship in France or The Question of Lucifer by Waite, Arthur Edward

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023