# satanic

/səˈtænɪk/ (US) · /sɐtˈænɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/satanic
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

connected to or like the devil. People use it to describe things that seem very evil or are related to the worship of Satan.

For teachers: relating to or characteristic of Satan; extremely evil or cruel in nature.

## Examples

- The movie features a mysterious satanic ritual.
- During the Middle Ages, many natural disasters were wrongly attributed to satanic influences or witchcraft.
- The poet used satanic imagery not to promote evil, but to symbolize a radical rebellion against the restrictive social hierarchies of his era.

## Usage notes

- Often used figuratively to describe acts of extreme cruelty or malice beyond religious contexts.

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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.