What does demonising mean?
Demonising is a verb that means to portray or represent someone or something in a way that makes them seem evil, wicked, or morally reprehensible. It is often used in formal or academic contexts to describe a wide range of behaviors, from subtle manipulation of public opinion to outright slander. The word can be used to describe individuals, groups, or even abstract concepts. Demonising can be a powerful tool for shaping public opinion, but it can also be used to manipulate or deceive people. In some cases, demonising can be a form of psychological warfare, used to create fear or hatred towards a particular group or individual. The word has a long history, dating back to the 17th century, and has been used in a variety of contexts, including politics, media, and literature. Despite its negative connotations, demonising can be a useful word for understanding complex social and political issues.
verbTo portray or represent someone or something in a way that makes them seem evil, wicked, or morally reprehensible.
- To portray or represent someone or something in a way that makes them seem evil, wicked, or morally reprehensible.
"The media has been demonising the politician, portraying him as a corrupt and power-hungry individual."
"The media has been demonising the politician, portraying him as a corrupt and power-hungry individual."
"The company's marketing strategy was accused of demonising their competitors."
The plural form of demonising is used to describe multiple instances of demonising behavior.
"The company's marketing strategy was accused of demonising their competitors on multiple occasions."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of demonising
The word demonising is derived from the word 'demon', which refers to a supernatural being or a person who is considered evil or wicked. The suffix '-ising' is a verb-forming suffix that is used to create verbs from nouns. The word demonising has been in use since the 17th century, and has been influenced by a variety of languages, including Latin and Greek.
How demonising is actually used
Demonising can be used in formal or informal contexts, but it is often associated with formal or academic language. It can be used to describe a wide range of behaviors, from subtle manipulation of public opinion to outright slander.