Dēofol
/ˈdeː.o.vol/noun
An Old English word meaning devil or demon.
Did you know?In Ancient Greek, diabolos originally meant “slanderer” and became the word used in the Septuagint for Satan, linking accusation, division, and demonic power.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʷelH-
“To throw or strike; the proposed ancient root behind Greek ballō, though the precise reconstruction is debated.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
diaballein
“To throw across; figuratively, to slander or cause division.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
diabolos
“A slanderer, accuser, or one who causes division.”
Late Antique Greek and Latin
Greek/Latin
diabolos / diabolus
“The Devil or Satan; the personal embodiment of accusation and opposition.”
Old English
Old English
dēofol
“Devil or demon, borrowed from Latin diabolus through Germanic transmission.”
Middle English
Middle English
devel
“The Devil; an evil supernatural being.”
Modern English
English
devil
“A powerful evil spirit, or a person regarded as cruel or mischievous.”