demon

An evil spirit believed to hurt people or serve the devil.

• A demon appeared in the story.
• The priest tried to drive the demon away.
• They believed demons lived in the cave.

Similar words: devil, evil spirit

Opposites: angel

Common phrases: evil demon, demon from hell, fight a demon, fallen demon

A harmful feeling, habit, or weakness that causes a person great trouble.

• She finally faced her demons.
• The demon of jealousy damaged their friendship.
• He is still battling the demons of his past.

How to use it: the demon of something (He struggled with the demon of jealousy.)

Common phrases: inner demon, personal demon, demon of jealousy

Someone who does an activity with great skill, speed, or energy.

• She is a demon at cards.
• That speed demon finished the course in seconds.
• He becomes a demon when there is work to finish.

How to use it: a demon at something (She is a demon at chess.); a demon for something (He is a demon for hard work.)

Similar words: whiz, ace

Common phrases: demon at chess, speed demon, demon for work

An inner spirit or force believed to guide a person’s thoughts or creativity.

• The poet followed his inner demon.
• Her creative demon drove her to paint through the night.
• He described inspiration as a guiding demon.

Similar words: daimon, genius

Common phrases: inner demon, creative demon, guiding demon