energumen

/ ˌɛnəˈɡjuːmɛn /

noun

1. a person thought to be possessed by an evil spirit
2. a fanatic or zealot

Word History and Origins

Origin of energumen¹

C18: via Late Latin from Greek energoumenos having been worked on, from energein to be in action, from energos effective; see energy

Example Sentences

His verses I detest, but I love to hear him recite them—he has the air of an energumen.

From Project Gutenberg

This, then, is that energumen whom we are so frightened of in the provinces!

From Project Gutenberg