Word
demonize
Phoneticsde·mo·nize, stress on the first syllable
/ˈdiməˌnaɪz/
UK spelling · demonise
Definition
v. to make someone or something seem completely evil or bad, often in an unfair way. You use it when news or arguments turn a person into an enemy.
v. to portray a person, group, or idea as evil or dangerous, especially to turn others against them.
Examples
“Politicians should not demonize their opponents to win votes.”
“The article warns readers not to demonize immigrants for economic problems they did not cause.”
“History shows how easily societies demonize minorities during crises, turning fear into policy before reason can return.”
Examples
simple
“Politicians should not demonize their opponents to win votes.”
contextual
“The article warns readers not to demonize immigrants for economic problems they did not cause.”
complex
“History shows how easily societies demonize minorities during crises, turning fear into policy before reason can return.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “demonize” in context.
Verb
01. attempt to demonize
“The article attempts to demonize teachers opposed to the reform.”
verb + to + verb
02. demonize critic
“The government routinely demonizes critics instead of addressing concerns.”
verb + noun
03. demonize immigrant
“The campaign was accused of trying to demonize immigrants as criminals.”
verb + noun
04. demonize minority
“History shows how easily leaders demonize minorities in times of crisis.”
verb + noun
05. demonize opponent
“He tends to demonize opponents rather than debate their ideas.”
verb + noun
06. demonize opposition
“State media continues to demonize the opposition as traitors.”
verb + noun
07. seek to demonize
“Some campaigns seek to demonize immigrants for political gain.”
verb + to + verb
Adjective
08. deliberately demonize
“Politicians deliberately demonize rivals to win public support.”
adv + verb
Noun
09. demonize as enemy
“The propaganda machine demonized refugees as enemies of the state.”
verb + prep + noun
10. demonize as threat
“They demonized activists as a threat to national security.”
verb + prep + noun
11. demonize critics as enemies
“Authoritarian leaders demonize critics as enemies of the people.”
12. refuse to demonize opposition
“A responsible leader should refuse to demonize the opposition.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“From the beginning, the Germans were demonized in ways that persisted for decades , partly as a result of patriot propaganda.” “Biden's top border official, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, said at a reporter roundtable in April that he "profoundly" disagrees with efforts "to demonize all migrants based on the actions of an individual.” “We perceive these allegations as an extraordinary effort to demonize Russia within the context of the hybrid warfare being waged against us.” “The story of Moss and Freeman shows how some of the top members of the Trump camp – including the incumbent president himself – conducted an intensive effort to publicly demonize individual election workers in the pursuit of overturning the election.” Etymology
From Medieval Latin daemonizō, from daemon + -izō. Compare Ancient Greek δαιμονίζομαι (daimonízomai, “to be possessed by a demon”), from δαίμων (daímōn, “demon”). By surface analysis, demon + -ize.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/demonize