What does demonise mean?
Demonise is a verb that means to represent or portray someone or something as evil or wicked, often unfairly or unjustly. It is commonly used in formal and informal contexts to describe media portrayals, public opinion, or personal attitudes. The word can have a negative connotation, implying that the portrayal is unfair or unjust. Demonise can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from media portrayals of politicians to public opinions about certain groups or individuals. The word is often used in conjunction with other words, such as 'vilify' or 'slander', to describe the act of portraying someone or something in a negative light. Overall, demonise is a useful word for describing the portrayal of someone or something as evil or wicked, and it can be used in a variety of contexts to convey a range of meanings.
verbTo represent or portray someone or something as evil or wicked, often unfairly or unjustly.
- To represent or portray someone or something as evil or wicked, often unfairly or unjustly.
"The media demonised the politician, portraying him as a ruthless leader."
"The media demonised the politician, portraying him as a ruthless leader."
"The company was accused of demonising its competitors to gain an advantage."
The plural form 'demonises' is used to describe multiple instances of portraying someone or something as evil or wicked.
"The media demonised several politicians, portraying them as ruthless leaders."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of demonise
The word 'demonise' is derived from the verb 'demonize', which is itself derived from the noun 'demon'. The word 'demon' is thought to have originated from the Greek word 'daimon', meaning 'spirit' or 'divine being'. The verb 'demonize' was first used in the 17th century to describe the act of portraying someone or something as evil or wicked. The word 'demonise' is a variant of 'demonize' that is commonly used in British English.
How demonise is actually used
Demonise is often used in formal or informal contexts to describe the portrayal of someone or something as evil or wicked. It can be used to describe media portrayals, public opinion, or personal attitudes. The word can have a negative connotation, implying that the portrayal is unfair or unjust.