What does satanical mean?
Satanical is a formal adjective meaning connected with Satan, Satanism, or evil forces opposed to God and moral order. It is common in religious, literary, and historical discussions, where it can describe beliefs, rituals, practices, powers, or individuals regarded as diabolical. In extended figurative use, it describes conduct or attitudes portrayed as exceptionally wicked, destructive, or hostile to faith. Although related to the common adjective satanic, satanical has a more literary and somewhat archaic tone and appears less frequently in everyday speech. It may carry a strong negative or polemical connotation, so writers often choose it when making a deliberate theological or moral judgment rather than simply describing a neutral topic. The word belongs to a family based on Satan, the biblical name for the adversary of God, and related forms include satanism, Satanist, and satanically.
adjectiveRelating to Satan, Satanism, or the forces and practices regarded as evil. The word often conveys hostility toward God and contempt for religious or moral principles.
- Relating to Satan or Satanism.
- Characterized by evil, hostility toward God, or contempt for religious and moral principles.
"The novel portrays a satanical cult attempting to corrupt the town’s religious institutions."
"The scholar described the ritual as a form of satanical worship."
"The film presents the villain as a satanical figure who seeks to overturn the natural order."
Satanical turns the name of the biblical adversary into a powerful literary label for evil that challenges faith and morality.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of satanical
The word is an adjectival formation based on Satan, the name derived from Hebrew and used in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament for an adversary of God. The English form entered through Greek and Latin religious usage, and the derived adjective became established in English theological and literary contexts. It belongs to the same word family as Satanism and Satanist.
Related word forms
How satanical is actually used
Chiefly formal, literary, or religious in tone. It may be strongly hostile and is often used figuratively for extreme cruelty, depravity, or hostility toward religion.
Easily confused with satanical
Satanical is a less common formal variant of satanic, while satanic is the standard modern adjective and is used far more frequently.
Satanical concerns Satan or evil, whereas sacramental concerns religious rites, sacraments, or the Eucharist.