demoniac: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal or literary; also found in theological and horror genre contexts.
Quick answer
What does “demoniac” mean?
Possessed by or characteristic of a demon or evil spirit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Possessed by or characteristic of a demon or evil spirit; frenzied.
Frighteningly, intensely, or uncontrollably violent, energetic, or fierce; suggestive of superhuman or malevolent power.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both prefer the adjective form over the noun.
Connotations
Equally strong connotations of possession and supernatural evil in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly more likely in US usage due to prominence of horror genre media.
Grammar
How to Use “demoniac” in a Sentence
[Subject] had/was seized by a demoniac frenzy.His [Noun] was demoniac in its intensity.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “demoniac” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The exorcist confronted the victim's demoniac contortions.
- A demoniac howl echoed through the ancient castle.
American English
- The villain let out a demoniac laugh.
- She was driven by a demoniac need for revenge.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. Potential metaphorical use: 'The market's demoniac volatility unsettled investors.'
Academic
Used in theological, historical, literary, or psychological studies discussing possession or extreme behaviour.
Everyday
Rare. Used for dramatic emphasis: 'He worked with demoniac energy to meet the deadline.'
Technical
Used in psychiatry/psychology historically (e.g., 'demoniac neurosis'), now largely archaic.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “demoniac”
- Misspelling as 'demonical' (correct is 'demonic' for that form).
- Using it as a common synonym for 'angry' (it is far stronger).
- Confusing it with 'demonic' (which is more about evil nature, less about possession/frenzy).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Demonic' describes something as being like a demon in nature (e.g., demonic cunning). 'Demoniac' specifically suggests being possessed by or acting as if possessed by a demon, with a stronger connotation of frenzied, violent energy.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal, or literary word. It is most often encountered in religious, historical, or horror genre contexts.
Yes, but this usage is now archaic. Historically, it referred to a person believed to be possessed by a demon. The adjective form is standard in modern usage.
No, despite the '-ac' ending, it is not directly related. 'Demoniac' comes from Late Latin 'daemoniacus' (from Greek 'daimoniakos'), from 'daimon' (spirit). 'Mania' comes from a separate Greek root.
Possessed by or characteristic of a demon or evil spirit.
Demoniac is usually formal or literary; also found in theological and horror genre contexts. in register.
Demoniac: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈməʊnɪæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈmoʊniˌæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) though possessed by a demoniac fury”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DEMON inside a car (IAC) – a DEMONIAC is someone or something with a demon inside, making it frenzied.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXTREME BEHAVIOUR IS DEMONIC POSSESSION (e.g., 'a demoniac rage').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'demoniac' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?