What does demonology mean?
Demonology is the systematic study of demons — the malevolent supernatural beings found in many religious traditions — together with the beliefs, classifications, and lore surrounding them. As a field, it spans theology, folklore, and the history of religion: scholars examine how different cultures have imagined demons, catalogued their hierarchies and names, and explained their supposed influence on human affairs. The word also refers to any particular system of such beliefs, so one may speak of medieval Christian demonology, ancient Mesopotamian demonology, or the demonology embedded in a given text. Historically, demonology was not merely speculative: detailed demonological treatises shaped attitudes toward witchcraft in Europe during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Today the term appears mainly in academic writing on religion, history, and mythology, though it also surfaces in discussions of horror fiction and popular culture. Related terms include demonologist, for someone who studies demons, and the adjective demonological.
nounThe systematic study of demons or beliefs about demons, especially as a branch of theology, folklore, or occultism. It can also refer to the body of beliefs and writings concerning demons within a particular tradition.
- The systematic study or scholarly treatment of demons, especially in theology, religion, and folklore.
- A particular system or body of beliefs concerning demons, as in the demonology of a specific culture, religion, or historical period.
"Medieval demonology held that demons could be summoned only under precisely specified conditions."
"Her doctoral thesis examined how Renaissance demonology shaped early modern witch trials."
"In Japanese demonology, oni are often portrayed as fearsome yet morally complex beings."
The plural refers to multiple distinct systems or traditions of belief about demons rather than to the field of study in general.
"The conference compared the demonologies of ancient Greece and early modern Europe."
King James I of England — the same king behind the famous Bible translation — wrote an entire book on demonology, convinced that witches had conjured storms to sink his ship.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of demonology
Demonology derives from the Greek 'daimōn' (δαίμων), meaning a divine being or spirit, combined with the suffix '-logy' from Greek 'logos', meaning word, reason, or study. The Greek root passed into Latin as 'daemon' before entering English, where 'demon' came to denote an evil spirit, particularly in Christian usage. The compound 'demonology' was formed in English in the late sixteenth or seventeenth century, when scholarly interest in spirits and witchcraft was widespread; King James VI of Scotland published his own treatise, 'Daemonologie', in 1597. Cognates sharing the same Greek root include 'demon' and 'demonic'.
Related word forms
How demonology is actually used
Demonology is a formal, academic term used primarily in religious studies, history, anthropology, and occult scholarship. It carries no strong emotional connotation itself, though its subject matter often evokes fear or fascination. It appears chiefly in scholarly and historical contexts rather than everyday conversation.
Easily confused with demonology
Demonology is the study of demons, whereas demonolatry is the worship of them.
Daemonology is simply the older spelling of the same word, using the Greek-derived 'daemon' form; it refers to the same field of study.