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

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

No doubt Milton risked building support for Satan among his readers. —Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024

The in-school offerings are in addition to the After School Satan Clubs, which launched in 2020 and have risen in popularity among parents seeking alternatives to religious clubs. —Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 11 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"