# demonic

/dɪˈmɑnɪk/ (US) · /diːmˈɒnɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/demonic
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 2. supernatural spirits

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

relating to demons or evil spirits.

For teachers: pertaining to or characteristic of demons or evil spirits; often used in theological or mythological contexts.

- The old book contained stories of demonic possession and ancient rituals.
- Medieval scholars debated the nature of demonic influence on the physical world, distinguishing between internal possession and external temptation.

### 3. intense or wild

adjective · CEFR C2 · Literary

having a very high level of energy or speed that seems almost superhuman.

For teachers: characterized by a frantic, wild, or supernatural energy; possessed of a driving force that appears beyond normal human capacity.

- He worked with demonic energy to finish the project before the deadline.
- The pianist played the final movement with demonic intensity, his fingers moving across the keys with a speed that left the audience breathless.

## Examples

- The villain in the movie had a demonic laugh.
- The athlete played with a demonic intensity that left his opponents struggling to keep up.
- The old legends spoke of a demonic presence haunting the woods, though modern scholars interpret these tales as metaphors for the psychological terrors of isolation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.