What does satanist mean?
A satanist is a person who adheres to Satanism, the religious or philosophical tradition centered on Satan. In contemporary English, the word most often identifies a member of a Satanist organization or community rather than someone who merely performs occult acts. Satan worshipper and Satan worshiper are older synonyms, but they can obscure the self-understanding of contemporary Satanists, some of whom explicitly describe Satanism as a religion and distinguish their practices from simply venerating or fearing the devil. The adjective satanist describes Satanist beliefs, groups, rituals, or imagery, although Satanic is often more idiomatic in formal writing. The term can also be used polemically to label unconventional beliefs or works, so its register and capitalization may indicate whether the reference is descriptive or hostile. It remains useful because it identifies an adherent specifically, rather than equating someone with evil in general.
A person who follows or belongs to Satanism, especially as a member of an organized Satanist religion.
"The article examines how Satanists describe their own religious practices."
Usually neutral when it accurately denotes an adherent, but it may be used polemically or as a pejorative label.
Relating to Satanism or to Satanists.
"The painting was criticized for its Satanist imagery."
Common with words such as group, leader, organization, and imagery; Satanic is often preferred in more established formal expressions.
Usually written in lowercase in general prose, although capitalizing Satanists is common when referring to members of the formal religion.
"Satanists gathered for an annual public ceremony."
Anton LaVey founded a major Satanist organization in San Francisco in 1966, helping establish Satanism as a modern religion rather than merely a synonym for devil worship.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does satanist come from?
The word satanist was formed in English from Satan and the suffix -ist. Its religious sense developed during the early modern period, when Satanism was beginning to be discussed as a distinct form of worship or belief. Satan itself entered English through French and Latin from Greek Satanas, ultimately deriving from the Hebrew sāṭān, meaning accuser or adversary.
Related word forms
How satanist is actually used
As a noun, satanist is often capitalized when referring to membership in the formal religion, though capitalization practices vary. It may carry pejorative connotations when used polemically, so context matters. As an adjective, it is less common than Satanic in formal usage but occurs naturally in phrases such as Satanist group and Satanist imagery.
Easily confused with satanist
A Satanist is a person who adheres to Satanism, whereas Satanism is the religion or belief system itself.