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

Lister was Robert Forster’s business partner in Jackie Brown (1997) and the second son of Satan in Adam Sandler’s Little Nicky (2000). —Danny Horn, EW.com, 27 Jan. 2025

Not the one about Jesus’ life and death, but the one about his Second Coming, featuring the world’s best foils: the red dragon, i.e., Satan, and the beast from the sea, whom theologians later interpreted as the Antichrist. —Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025

To justify seizing and destroying an enormous array of images and objects during his 43-year career, Comstock often claimed to be battling Satan. —Amy Werbel, The Conversation, 24 Jan. 2025

Some other names that have also not been allowed in Germany include Satan, Judas, Lenin, Gucci, McDonald, Bierstübl (which translates to pub), Vaginia, Whiskey, Excalibur, and Pain. Germany isn't unique in prohibiting certain baby names. —Anna Halkidis, Parents, 23 Jan. 2025

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"