# Satan

/ˈseɪtən/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/satan
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the Devil

noun · CEFR B2

the main spirit of evil in religions like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

For teachers: the supreme evil spirit and adversary of God in Abrahamic theology, often identified as the tempter of humanity.

- In the story, Satan tries to trick the hero into making a bad choice.
- Milton's epic poem presents Satan as a complex, defiant figure who leads a rebellion against the celestial order.

### 2. an evil person

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a person who is extremely cruel, wicked, or evil.

For teachers: a person or entity regarded as exceptionally malignant, detestable, or wicked.

- The cruel dictator was described as a real Satan by those he oppressed.
- The prosecutor painted the defendant as a literal Satan, devoid of any human empathy or remorse for his crimes.

### 3. a fallen angel

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

a demon or a spirit that follows the main evil leader.

For teachers: a subordinate demon or fallen angel serving the principal evil spirit.

- Old legends speak of a Satan wandering the woods to steal souls.
- The medieval manuscript contains illustrations of various Satans tempting monks in their remote mountain cells.

## Examples

- In many stories, Satan is shown as a tempter.
- The epic poem Paradise Lost explores the fall of Satan from heaven and his subsequent rebellion.
- 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.

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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.