demoniac

[ dih-moh-nee-ak, dee-muh-nahy-ak ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or like a demon; demonic:

   demoniac laughter.

   Antonyms: angelic

2. possessed by or as by an evil spirit; raging; frantic.

noun

1. a person seemingly possessed by a demon or evil spirit.

demoniac

/ dɪˈməʊnɪˌæk /

adjective

1. of, like, or suggestive of a demon; demonic
2. suggesting inner possession or inspiration

   the demoniac fire of genius

3. frantic; frenzied; feverish

   demoniac activity

noun

1. a person possessed by an evil spirit or demon

Derived Forms

• ˌdemoˈniacally, adverb

Other Words From

• de·mo·ni·a·cal·ly [dee-m, uh, -, nahy, -ik-lee], adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of demoniac¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin daemoniacus < Greek daimoniakós, equivalent to daimóni ( os ) pertaining to a daemon + -akos -ac

Example Sentences

His demoniac speed and guile were crucial in the quarterfinals when the Springboks edged France two weeks ago.

From Washington Times

“The national honor elated the demoniac,” Ford wrote.

From Washington Post

This was a demoniac laugh—low, suppressed, and deep—uttered, as it seemed, at the very keyhole of my chamber door.

From Literature

The demoniac wizards and the hideous old witches who haunted Europe and America, too, up to quite recent years, play no part at all in the stories.

From Literature

Memes of his demoniac look, arms crossed across his chest, had gone viral, as did the gif of him dancing with a woman in the crowd.

From The Guardian

Related Words

• maniac
• psychopath
• psychotic