Satan

noun

Sa·​tan ˈsā-tᵊn 

1

: the angel who in Jewish belief is commanded by God to tempt humans to sin, to accuse the sinners, and to carry out God's punishment

2

: the rebellious angel who in Christian belief is the adversary of God and lord of evil

Synonyms

• archfiend
• Beelzebub
• devil
• fiend
• Lucifer
• Old Nick
• serpent

Examples of Satan in a Sentence

some people believe that Satan can successfully tempt almost anyone with lies and flattery

Recent Examples on the Web

One Alabama pastor is even preaching that Satan was involved in the deception. —Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 17 Jan. 2025

Now the voice is all her own, like Satan’s words made Lowell’s. —Elisa Gabbert, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025

The Vault For ‘Get Behind Me Satan XX’ Here are executives — the suits, who, frankly, rarely wear suits anymore — activists, music makers, community leaders, and one very important, brave, fierce, and inspiring political prisoner. —Spin Staff, SPIN, 9 Jan. 2025

Savoie has now passed both Satan and Smyth in AHL games, and the Oilers have zero need for a skill winger on the NHL roster at this time. —Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English, from Late Latin, from Greek, from Hebrew śāṭān adversary

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Satan

noun

Sa·​tan ˈsāt-ᵊn 

: devil entry 1 sense 1

satanic

sə-ˈtan-ik

sā-

adjective

satanically

-ˈtan-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

Etymology

Middle English Satan "Satan," from early French Satan (same meaning), from Latin Satan (same meaning), from Greek Satan "Satan," from Hebrew śāṭān "adversary"