Demons
/ˈdiːmənz/noun
Malevolent supernatural beings, or metaphorically, very troublesome people or forces.
Did you know?The English word comes from Greek daimōn, a term that could mean a spirit or guiding power before later Christian tradition recast it as a hostile being.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*da-
“To divide, distribute, or allot”
Ancient Greek
Greek
δαίμων (daímōn)
“A spirit, divine power, or lesser deity; sometimes a guiding force”
Late Latin
Latin
daemon
“A spirit or supernatural being, especially in Christian usage a malevolent one”
Old French
Old French
demon
“An evil spirit or devil”
Middle English
English
demon
“An evil spirit, devil, or malignant supernatural being”
Modern English
English
demons
“Plural of demon; evil supernatural beings or metaphorically oppressive forces”