Satan

American  

[seyt-n] / ˈseɪt n /

noun

1. the chief evil spirit; the great adversary of humanity; the devil.

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Satan British  

/ ˈseɪtən /

noun

1. the devil, adversary of God, and tempter of mankind: sometimes identified with Lucifer (Luke 4:5–8)

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Satan Cultural  

1. The devil. In the Bible (see also Bible), Satan is identified with the tempter who encourages the fall of Adam and Eve; he is the accuser who torments Job in the hope that he will curse God; the one who offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if Jesus will worship him (see Get thee behind me, Satan); and the evil one who puts betrayal in the heart of Judas. Satan will one day be confined in hell, but until then he is free to roam the Earth.

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Satan has been depicted in many ways: as a man with horns, goat hooves, a pointed tail, a pointed beard, and a pitchfork; as a dragon; and sometimes as an angel with large batlike wings.

Satan is the power of darkness opposed to the light of Christ; he is thus sometimes referred to as the Prince of Darkness.

Etymology

Origin of Satan

before 900; Middle English, Old English < Late Latin < Greek Satân, Satán < Hebrew śātān adversary

Compare meaning

How does satan compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Lucifer vs. Satan

Example Sentences

The good news is probably won’t work for him, since Satan himself couldn’t grant Vance more charisma.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

Given how much attention the very creative “Glitterball” devotes to the social and architectural character of Old Louisville, the subtext seems to be that Satan will always find a way, regardless of property values.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

But others say the involvement of the US, known as the "Great Satan" in Iran, will only bolster Iran's leaders.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2025

In the Book of Revelations, Michael and his army of angels cast Satan and his minions out of heaven.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2024

Auntie Aggie used to say I was like as not to poke Satan with a stick just for fun.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland