What does demonizing mean?
Demonizing is the act of representing a person, group, institution, or idea as thoroughly evil, dangerous, or morally corrupt — often in language that is exaggerated, one-sided, or deliberately inflammatory. It is most frequently used in discussions of politics, media coverage, and social conflict, where commentators warn that demonizing opponents shuts down genuine debate and dehumanizes those on the other side. The word is almost always critical of the portrayal being described: to accuse someone of demonizing a group is to say their characterization goes beyond legitimate criticism into caricature. Derived from 'demon,' the word draws on the vivid image of turning a human being into a devil-like figure. Its noun form, 'demonization,' and its adjective use ('a demonizing campaign') make it a versatile term for describing rhetoric that seeks not merely to disagree but to cast its target as beyond the moral pale.
Present participle and gerund of 'demonize': to portray someone or something as wicked or evil, often unfairly.
"He cautioned his readers against demonizing those with whom they disagreed."
Frequently appears after verbs like 'accused of,' 'warned against,' or 'guilty of.'
As a gerund, the action or practice of portraying a person or group as evil or threatening.
"The demonizing of refugees became a central theme of the election campaign."
The word for painting someone as a monster literally contains the word for an evil spirit — ancient Greeks would recognize the accusation instantly.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of demonizing
Demonizing derives from the verb 'demonize,' which entered English in the early 17th century from ecclesiastical Latin 'daemonizare' (to act as a demon, or to be possessed by one). The root traces back through Latin 'daemon' to Greek 'daimon,' originally meaning a divine or spirit being before narrowing in Christian usage to mean an evil spirit. Cognates include 'demonic,' 'demonology,' and 'pandemonium.' The modern sense of figuratively portraying someone as evil developed later, becoming especially prominent in 20th-century political discourse.
Related word forms
How demonizing is actually used
'Demonizing' carries a strong negative connotation about the speaker's or writer's judgment of the act itself — calling something 'demonizing' implies it is unfair or inflammatory. It is common in political and media commentary. The spelling 'demonising' is standard in British English.
Easily confused with demonizing
Despite the similar spelling, 'demonstrating' means showing or proving something, while 'demonizing' means portraying someone as evil.