Satanism

[ seyt-n-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. any of a highly diverse group of religious, philosophical, or countercultural practices centered around Satan, either as a deity or a nontheistic symbol of enlightenment, individualism, or ethical egoism. Compare Luciferianism ( def ).
2. a deliberate inversion of Christian rites in which Satan is worshiped.
3. Also sa·tan·ism. diabolical or satanic disposition, behavior, or activity.

Satanism

/ ˈseɪtəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the worship of Satan
2. a form of such worship which includes blasphemous or obscene parodies of Christian prayers, etc
3. a satanic disposition or satanic practices

Derived Forms

• ˈSatanist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• Sa·tan·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Satanism¹

First recorded in 1555–65; Satan + -ism

Example Sentences

He added that approving the school would open the door for public schools to teach Islamic doctrine or even Satanism.

From Seattle Times

“Late Night With the Devil” twists that camaraderie around on itself, layering in familiar 1970s horror tropes about demonic possession, Satanism and the occult.

From New York Times

The caller made references to Satanism and said he had a handgun and explosives, authorities said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

The second, “occult-level spiritual warfare,” involved battling demonic powers acting through purportedly occult practices, meaning anything from yoga to Satanism to New Age spirituality.

From Salon

The “moral panic” of Satanism, the “stranger danger” panic of our parents.

From Salon

Related Words

• witchcraft