What does diabolism mean?
Diabolism is a noun denoting the worship of, or devotion to, the devil — a concept that loomed large in European religious imagination from the Middle Ages through the early modern period, when accusations of diabolism featured prominently in witch trials and demonological treatises. By extension, the word can describe conduct so wicked or cruel that it seems positively fiendish. The term derives from 'diabolus', the Latin form of Greek 'diabolos', meaning 'slanderer' or 'accuser', the traditional Greek rendering of the Hebrew 'satan'. Today, diabolism is relatively rare and formal, appearing chiefly in historical, literary, or deliberately elevated contexts rather than everyday speech. It carries strongly negative connotations, evoking both literal Satanism and figurative evil. Related forms include 'diabolist' (one who practises or studies it) and the far more common adjective 'diabolical', which has broadened to mean simply outrageous or atrocious.
Worship of or devotion to the devil.
"The pamphlet accused the sect of open diabolism."
Most often found in historical accounts of witch trials and demonology.
Behaviour or practices regarded as characteristically devilish or fiendishly wicked.
"The report described the regime's tortures as pure diabolism."
Rarely pluralised; the plural appears only when referring to distinct instances or varieties of devil-worship or fiendish practice.
"The archive documents the various diabolisms alleged across seventeenth-century Europe."
In early modern Europe, an accusation of diabolism wasn't just an insult — it could get you burned at the stake.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of diabolism
Diabolism comes from Late Latin 'diabolus' ('devil'), itself borrowed from Greek 'diabolos', meaning 'slanderer' or 'accuser', from 'diaballein', 'to throw across or slander'. The Greek word was used in the Septuagint to translate Hebrew 'satan', cementing its sense as the name of the devil. English formed the noun in the early modern period by adding the suffix '-ism' to the stem, alongside related terms such as 'diabolic' and 'diabolist'; French cognates like 'diablerie' reflect the same root.
Related word forms
How diabolism is actually used
Formal and largely historical or literary in register; in modern usage it most often appears in discussions of witchcraft history, demonology, or as a heightened way to describe extreme wickedness.
Easily confused with diabolism
'Diabolical' is an adjective meaning outrageously wicked or extremely bad, while 'diabolism' is a noun referring to devil-worship or devilish practice itself.