What does "satan" mean?
A demon follower of Satan (principal evil spirit); a fallen angel.
Satan
/ˈseɪ.tən/ name, noun
name, noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A demon follower of Satan (principal evil spirit); a fallen angel.
- Grammar: satan is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: adversary, aides, aidoneus, ananias.
- Useful contrasts: Allah, god, ally.
- Usage evidence: The "prince of darkness" means Satan.
How to use "satan"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "satan" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "satan" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "satan" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "satan" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "satan" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adversary" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "satan", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A demon follower of Satan (principal evil spirit); a fallen angel. countable
"This literature refers to a major figurehead of evil called “Satan,” the leader of a group of angels also referred to as “Satans.” These Satans accuse people and lead them astray."
- 2 Alternative form of Satan (especially in the sense "a demon follower of Satan; a fallen angel"). alt-of, alternative
"According to Wahb b. Munnabih, Muhammad b. Ka‘b, and other authorities: Solomon was led to this [test of her intelligence] because the satans feared that he would marry her and make her desirous of having his offspring. She would then disclose to him the secrets of the jinn, and they would never rid themselves of their subservience to Solomon and his offspring to follow."
- 3 Obsolete form of satin. alt-of, obsolete
- 4 Anything that causes destruction or is viewed as evil.
"The most of these, such as various kinds of grasshoppers, leaf hoppers, butterflies, etc., are not peculiar to the clovers, while others do but little damage and need not be mentioned here. In a contest with any of them, the farmer is to a great extent powerless on account of their wide distribution and incredible capacity of increase in a very short period of time, and must rely, in his controversy with these satans, on improved methods of rotation, and on their natural enemies, the parasites, which by a wise and merciful dispensation of the Giver of all good, in due time, always hold them in check and prevent the total destruction of the crop."
Proper Noun
- 1 The supreme evil spirit in the Abrahamic religions, who tempts humanity into sin; the Devil; (Theistic Satanism) the same figure, regarded as a deity to be revered and worshipped.
"Many Satanists reject the notion that Satan is bad."
- 2 A person or animal regarded as particularly malignant, detestable, or evil; used as an epithet or as a name for an animal. countable
"'Cause I finished with him, so I just felt kind of relieved and empowered afterwards, you know? He was tryin' to dilute my squash, and I was like, "Not today, Satan.""
Example
"The "prince of darkness" means Satan."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "satan"?
Common synonyms include: adversary, aides, aidoneus, ananias, apollyon, archvillain.
How do you use "satan" in a sentence?
The "prince of darkness" means Satan.
How do you pronounce "satan"?
Pronounced /ˈseɪ.tən/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English Sathan, Satan, from Old English Satan, from Latin Satan, from Ancient Greek Σατάν (Satán), from Hebrew שָׂטָן (satán, “adversary, accuser”) and Arabic شَيْطَان (šayṭān, “satan, devil”). Doublet of shaitan.
Etymology 2
See Satan: from Latin Satān, from Ancient Greek Σατάν (Satán), from Hebrew שָׂטָן (Sātān, “adversary, accuser”).