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

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

The Witch’s family of Puritan exiles spend the film terrorized by a creepy goat that’s also Satan, but there’s a distinct beauty to the scenes around the family dinner table, barely lit by a lone lantern. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 Dec. 2024

In fact, maybe McCartney signed a deal with the devil, and in exchange for boundless musical talent, he was required to inflict Satan's ultimate instrument of torture upon the earth. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 21 Dec. 2024

This year’s new holiday offerings include the $250 million Dwayne Johnson flop Red One and Dear Santa, a piece of straight–to–Paramount Plus garbage about a kid who accidentally writes to Satan instead of Santa. —Erin Somers, Vulture, 19 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"