prince of darkness: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, Figurative, sometimes Journalistic (in metaphorical use)
Quick answer
What does “prince of darkness” mean?
A poetic and literary title for Satan or the Devil, used to denote the embodiment of supreme evil.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A poetic and literary title for Satan or the Devil, used to denote the embodiment of supreme evil.
1. A powerful, malevolent, and influential figure. 2. In modern contexts, sometimes used metaphorically or ironically for a charismatic but morally ambiguous leader or antihero. 3. Informally, can refer to someone who habitually brings bad news or pessimism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slightly more common in British English in certain journalistic metaphors (e.g., for a controversial politician).
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary connotation is of supreme, personified evil. In metaphorical secular use, it can carry a tone of dark admiration for effectiveness or power.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday speech. Found primarily in religious texts, Gothic literature, political commentary, and heavy metal music/culture.
Grammar
How to Use “prince of darkness” in a Sentence
[The] Prince of Darkness + verb (roams, rules, tempts)Refer to + [object] + as the Prince of DarknessAccuse + [object] + of being the Prince of DarknessVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “prince of darkness” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- In Milton's 'Paradise Lost', the Prince of Darkness is a tragically compelling figure.
- The tabloids dubbed the controversial minister the Prince of Darkness for his ruthless reforms.
American English
- The film's villain saw himself not as a monster, but as the Prince of Darkness reclaiming his throne.
- Some fundamentalist preachers claimed the rock star was a servant of the Prince of Darkness.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used hyperbolically: "The CEO was portrayed as the Prince of Darkness by the rival press."
Academic
Used in theological, literary, and historical studies discussing the concept of evil.
Everyday
Extremely rare in casual conversation. Might be used jokingly: "Don't be such a Prince of Darkness—tell me the good news for once!"
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “prince of darkness”
- Not capitalizing it when used as a title for Satan (incorrect: 'prince of darkness'; correct: 'Prince of Darkness').
- Using it too lightly, which can sound forced or melodramatic.
- Confusing it with "Lord of the Flies" (Beelzebub), which is a different, though related, title.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. However, in modern secular language, it can be used metaphorically for any supremely evil or malevolently powerful figure. The metaphorical use depends heavily on context.
Almost never in a genuinely positive way. It inherently carries a negative, evil connotation. It might be used with ironic admiration (e.g., for someone's powerful but ruthless efficiency), but the negative undertone remains.
Both are historical names for the Devil. 'Prince of Darkness' emphasizes rulership over evil and obscurity. 'Lord of the Flies' (Beelzebub) is a name originating from a Philistine god, later demonized, and can imply decay, filth, and corruption.
Yes, when used as the specific title/name for the Devil. In loose metaphorical uses, capitalization is sometimes omitted, but capitalizing it maintains the reference to the archetype and is generally preferred.
A poetic and literary title for Satan or the Devil, used to denote the embodiment of supreme evil.
Prince of darkness is usually literary, figurative, sometimes journalistic (in metaphorical use) in register.
Prince of darkness: in British English it is pronounced /ˌprɪns əv ˈdɑːknəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌprɪns əv ˈdɑːrknəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A deal with the Prince of Darkness (a Faustian bargain)”
- “Doing the Prince of Darkness's work (doing something profoundly evil)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a dark, royal figure in a shadowy castle—the PRINCE who rules over all DARKNESS.
Conceptual Metaphor
EVIL IS A DARK MONARCH / DARKNESS IS A REALM.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts would 'Prince of Darkness' be LEAST appropriate?