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

The ayatollahs in Iran regularly call Israel the 'Little Satan' and deploy a broad and well-equipped terrorist infrastructure against it. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024

Ledger gave us a Joker for this millennium, and turned the character into a mythical figure, like secular Satan, whose story Hollywood is addicted to retelling, for better or worse. —Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2024

The Pale Girl appears to be a powerful demonic entity, perhaps even Satan. —Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Hysteria! never fully tips its hand as to whether what’s happening is just a panic or whether Satan has actually come to town (though the final shot of the season makes a case for the latter). —Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Oct. 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"