satanist
C2Formal, Religious/Demonological, Academic, Journalistic, Pejorative/Colloquial.
Definition
Meaning
A person who worships Satan or believes in satanism.
A person who adheres to a religious, philosophical, or ideological system that venerates or reveres the figure of Satan, typically as a symbol of rebellion, individualism, or opposition to mainstream religions. It may refer to a member of a specific religious group (e.g., the Church of Satan) or, in a general derogatory sense, someone perceived as profoundly evil or immoral.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term has two primary uses: 1) A self-identifier for members of modern Satanic religious movements, often involving non-theistic beliefs where 'Satan' is a symbol of human nature, rationalism, or rebellion. 2) A pejorative label used by critics of these movements or to vilify individuals seen as profoundly wicked. The context is crucial for determining meaning and intent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Both use the same term.
Connotations
Connotations are similar, heavily dependent on cultural and religious context. In more secular societies, it may be perceived with more detachment. In strongly religious communities, the pejorative connotation is universal.
Frequency
Comparatively low frequency in both dialects, appearing in religious studies, news reports about crime/cults, and cultural commentary. Pejorative use is likely more common in spontaneous speech than the self-identifying use.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Adjective] + satanist (e.g., modern satanist)[Prepositional Phrase] + satanist (e.g., satanist of the Church of Satan)satanist + [who/that-clause] (e.g., a satanist who rejects theistic beliefs)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms directly feature 'satanist'. Related idiom: 'in league with the devil'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Extremely rare, unless discussing a business related to controversial merchandise or niche media.
Academic
Common in Religious Studies, Sociology, and History when discussing new religious movements, esotericism, or moral panics. Requires precise definition.
Everyday
Rare. If used, it is typically in a sensationalist, derogatory, or fearful context (e.g., news, gossip). Not a neutral everyday term.
Technical
Used in demonology, anthropology of religion, and criminology (often in the context of 'satanic panic').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'To satanise' is a rare verb meaning to portray as satanic, not 'to satanist'. The word 'satanist' is not used as a verb.
American English
- 'To satanize' is a rare verb meaning to portray as satanic, not 'to satanist'. The word 'satanist' is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- The related adverb is 'satanically', as in 'satanically inspired'. 'Satanistly' is non-standard and not used.
American English
- The related adverb is 'satanically', as in 'satanically opposed'. 'Satanistly' is non-standard and not used.
adjective
British English
- The related adjective is 'satanic', as in 'satanic ritual'. 'Satanist' is not typically used adjectivally.
American English
- The related adjective is 'satanic', as in 'satanic panic'. 'Satanist' is not typically used adjectivally.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The film villain was a satanist who performed dark rituals.
- Some people wrongly accused the heavy metal fans of being satanists.
- Modern satanists often state that they do not literally believe in a supernatural devil, but see him as a symbol.
- The journalist interviewed a self-identified satanist about their philosophical beliefs.
- Academic studies distinguish between theistic satanists, who worship Satan as a deity, and atheistic or symbolic satanists, such as LaVeyan Satanists.
- The so-called 'satanic panic' of the 1980s led to numerous false accusations against alleged satanists involved in fabricated ritual abuse.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SATAN' + the suffix '-IST' (like 'pianist' or 'atheist'). A person whose focus or belief is centred on Satan.
Conceptual Metaphor
EVIL IS A FORCE/CULT (e.g., 'he was drawn into the satanist circle'); REBELLION IS AFFILIATION WITH SATAN (e.g., 'her satanist identity was a revolt against her strict upbringing').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'сатани́ст' (direct equivalent) and 'сатани́н' (obsolete/poetic for 'satanic'). The English term is the correct equivalent of 'сатани́ст'. Potential confusion with 'дьяволопоклонник' (devil-worshipper), which is a more literal synonym but carries even stronger negative connotations.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'satanest', 'satanistic' (the adjective is 'satanic'). Using it as a casual synonym for 'bad person' is a severe semantic error and can be highly offensive.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'satanist' used with technical precision?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Many modern satanist organisations, like The Satanic Temple, are non-theistic and use 'Satan' as a symbol of rebellion, rational inquiry, and personal autonomy, not as a literal supernatural being to be worshipped.
Context is key. When used by adherents themselves, it is a neutral self-descriptor. When used by outsiders, especially in religious or sensationalist contexts, it is overwhelmingly negative and pejorative.
'Satanic' is an adjective describing things related to Satan or satanism (e.g., satanic imagery). 'Satanist' is a noun referring to a person who adheres to satanism.
Not necessarily. 'Devil worship' implies theistic veneration of a literal Devil. Some satanists fit this description, but many contemporary satanist movements explicitly reject theistic worship, making 'devil worshipper' an inaccurate label for them.