diabolism

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   belief in, worship of, or ritual dealings with devils

   The pamphlet accused the secret society of diabolism and devil worship.

2. 2
   noun

   supposed possession by or involvement with the devil

   The witnesses interpreted the violent fits as evidence of diabolism.

3. 3
   noun

   devilish wickedness, malice, or evil conduct

   His cheerful smile gave the cruel practical joke an air of childish diabolism.

Formed in the early seventeenth century from Late Latin diabolus or Greek diabolos, 'devil, slanderer,' + -ism. It first named belief in or dealings with devils and later broadened to devilish character, extreme wickedness, or malicious conduct.

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