ENGLISH
REFERENCE

satan

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈseɪtən// sa·tan Archaic

n. the main spirit of evil in some religions, such as Christianity and Islam. People often use this name to talk about the Devil.

n. the primary personification of evil and the adversary of God in Abrahamic religions. When used in a secular context, it often refers to a person perceived as exceptionally wicked or cruel.


SIMPLE

In many stories, Satan is shown as a tempter.

CONTEXTUAL

The epic poem Paradise Lost explores the fall of Satan from heaven and his subsequent rebellion.

COMPLEX

Literary depictions of Satan have evolved from a monstrous figure of punishment to a complex, tragic anti-hero who embodies the spirit of defiance against absolute authority.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English Sathan, Satan, from Old English Satan, from Latin Satan, from Ancient Greek Σατάν (Satán), from Hebrew שָׂטָן (satán, “adversary, accuser”) and Arabic شَيْطَان (šayṭān, “satan, devil”). Doublet of shaitan.

Usage

Usually functions as a proper name and is therefore capitalised; rarely takes an article unless used metaphorically.

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