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Where does the word "demon" come from? It comes from Greek daimon, and was adopted directly into English (1200s).
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Where does the word "demon" come from? It comes from Greek daimon, and was adopted directly into English (1200s).
Demon’s story begins in Greek: daimon meant “a spirit or divine power.” Originally a neutral spirit or guiding force, not necessarily evil. It reached English by 1200s as demon. Narrowed under Christian influence to mean an evil spirit. Today, demon means an evil spirit, or a person's inner struggle or vice.
- Stage 1 · Greek · ancient daimon "a spirit or divine power", originally a neutral spirit or guiding force, not necessarily evil.
- Stage 2 · English · 1200s demon "an evil spirit", narrowed under Christian influence to mean an evil spirit.