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Demon
A demon (from Koine Greek δαιμόνιον daimónion) is a supernatural and often malevolent being prevalent in religion, occultism, literature, fiction, mythology and folklore.
The original Greek word daimon does not carry such negative connotations. The Ancient Greek word δαίμων daimōn denotes a spirit or divine power, much like the Latin genius or numen. The Greek conception of a daimōn notably appears in the works of Plato, where it describes the divine inspiration of Socrates.
However, in Ancient Near Eastern religions as well as in the Abrahamic traditions, including ancient and medieval Christian demonology, a demon is considered a harmful spiritual entity which may cause demonic possession, calling for an exorcism.
In Western occultism and Renaissance magic, which grew out of an amalgamation of Greco-Roman magic, Jewish Aggadah and Christian demonology, a demon is believed to be a spiritual entity that may be conjured and controlled.
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Demoness (noun)
A female demon.
“In Lilith abandoned heaven and became the first demoness on Earth.”
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Demon (noun)
An evil supernatural spirit.
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Demon (noun)
An evil spirit resident in or working for Hell; a devil. from 10th c.
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Demon (noun)
A false god or idol; a Satanic divinity. from 10th c.
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Demon (noun)
A very wicked or malevolent person; also in weakened sense a mischievous person, especially a child. from 16th c.
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Demon (noun)
A source (especially personified) of great evil or wickedness; a destructive feeling or character flaw. from 17th c.
“The demon of stupidity haunts me whenever I open my mouth.”
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Demon (noun)
A neutral supernatural spirit.
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Demon (noun)
A person’s anxieties. from 19th c.
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Demon (noun)
A person’s inner spirit or genius; a guiding or creative impulse. from 14th c.
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Demon (noun)
A tutelary deity or spirit intermediate between the major Olympian gods and mankind, especially a deified hero or the entity which supposedly guided Socrates, telling him what not to do. from 16th c.
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Demon (noun)
A spirit not considered to be inherently evil; a (non-Christian) deity or supernatural being. from 19th c.
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Demon (noun)
Someone with great strength, passion or skill for a particular activity, pursuit etc.; an enthusiast. from 19th c.
“He’s a demon at the card tables.”
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Demon (noun)
A form of patience (known as Canfield in the US). from 19th c.
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Demoness (noun)
A female demon; (in extended use) a cruel or wicked woman.