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

By the film’s end, Terry has the lead role in a Broadway musical — and the spawn of Satan growing inside her. —Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 28 Sep. 2024

The Sarmat, sometimes called the Satan II, replaces Russia's long-range R-36M missile developed during the Cold War. —Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 23 Sep. 2024

Nast’s August 17 cartoon, for example, lampooned Greeley’s unlikely alliance with the Democrats, depicting him kneeling before Satan, who clutches a copy of the party’s nomination. —Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Sep. 2024

For those used to the quirky '90s sitcom starring Melissa Joan Hart, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina may be quite jarring at first glance: The stakes are higher and the content is much darker, as this Sabrina Spellman (Kiernan Shipka) draws her powers from Satan and must devote herself to him. —James Mercadante, Cori Chapman, EW.com, 11 Sep. 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"