Demonize
/ˈdiː.mə.naɪz/noun
To portray someone or something as wicked or evil.
Did you know?The concept of demonization dates back to ancient times, where enemies were often depicted as demonic forces to justify their downfall or defeat.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
δαιμόνιον (daimonion)
“A lesser divine spirit or guiding force, often seen as a supernatural being.”
Latin
Latin
daemonium
“A spirit, often with a more malevolent connotation, closely associated with the Greek daimon.”
Old French
Old French
demoniser
“To make into a demon, reflecting the transformation of individuals into evil entities.”
Early Modern English
English
demonize
“To attribute demonic qualities to someone or something, marking a shift to more moralistic interpretations of opposition.”
19th Century
English
demonization
“The process of depicting an individual or group as evil, solidifying the term's use in political and social contexts.”
Modern English
English
demonize
“Commonly used to describe the act of vilifying opponents in discourse, often without just cause.”