devil

Where does the word "devil" come from? It comes from Greek diabolos, passing through Late Latin and Old English before entering English (1300s).

Devil’s story begins in Greek: diabolos meant “slanderer, accuser.” From 'diaballein', to throw across, to slander; used to translate Hebrew 'satan', adversary. By ancient, the word had taken hold in Late Latin as diabolus. The Latin Bible's word for Satan. From there it passed into Old English as deofol by medieval. Brought by early missionaries. It reached English by 1300s as devil. 'diabolical' comes from the same Greek word. Today, devil means the supreme spirit of evil; a mischievous person.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient diabolos "slanderer, accuser", from 'diaballein', to throw across, to slander; used to translate Hebrew 'satan', adversary.
2. Stage 2 · Late Latin · ancient diabolus "the devil", the Latin Bible's word for Satan.
3. Stage 3 · Old English · medieval deofol "devil", brought by early missionaries.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1300s devil "evil spirit", 'diabolical' comes from the same Greek word.