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

As a result, Circle attracted people with evangelical backgrounds but also Quakers, Jews, atheists, and the occasional Satan worshipper. —Eliza Griswold, The New Yorker, 30 June 2024

The posts alleged world affairs were controlled by a vast conspiracy of Democrats – who also worshiped Satan and abused children – and that Trump was part of a secret plan to vanquish them. —Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 28 May 2024

And the state of Tennessee seems particularly in the hold of Satan thanks to the bright red devil here captured in its full-color glory. —Susanna Ashton, JSTOR Daily, 23 May 2024

Can the Western Forces come up with a fighter strong enough to overpower literal Satan? —Nate Jones, Vulture, 24 Apr. 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"