daemon
/ˈdiːmən/
NOUN
1. An evil supernatural spirit
A supernatural being, often regarded as evil or malevolent, that is believed to influence or harm humans.
1.1. Evil spirits and demons
A malevolent supernatural entity associated with evil, temptation, destruction, or harm.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- angel
- benevolent spirit
- good spirit
Examples
- The villagers believed that a daemon haunted the abandoned house.
- The wizard summoned a powerful daemon from the underworld.
- Ancient legends described the daemon as a dangerous supernatural spirit.
Related Words
- hell
- Satan
- possession
- exorcism
- supernatural
- malevolence
- darkness
- underworld
1.2. Ghosts and apparitions
A supernatural or incorporeal entity that appears as a mysterious presence or haunting spirit.
Synonyms
- ghost
- phantom
- specter
- spectre
- apparition
- wraith
- shade
- phantasm
- spook
Antonyms
- living being
- real person
Examples
- A mysterious daemon appeared in the castle corridor.
- The story describes a daemon wandering through the abandoned cemetery.
- The villagers claimed to have seen a daemon near the old ruins.
Related Words
- haunting
- spirit
- soul
- manifestation
- poltergeist
- revenant
- supernatural phenomenon
NOUN
2. A neutral supernatural spirit
A supernatural being or guiding spirit that may influence human affairs without necessarily being good or evil.
2.1. Guardian and guiding spirits
A spiritual entity believed to guide, protect, inspire, or accompany a person.
Synonyms
- daimon
- guardian spirit
- familiar spirit
- tutelary spirit
- genius
- spirit
Examples
- In ancient Greek belief, a daemon could serve as a guiding spirit.
- The philosopher believed that a personal daemon offered moral guidance.
- The hero was accompanied by a protective daemon throughout his journey.
Related Words
- guardian angel
- divination
- protection
- inspiration
- spiritual guide
- supernatural being
- Greek mythology
2.2. Mythological and supernatural beings
A supernatural entity from mythology or folklore, including spirits and otherworldly creatures that are not necessarily evil.
Synonyms
Examples
- The ancient myth described a daemon living among the mountains.
- The tale portrayed the daemon as a mysterious supernatural creature.
- Different cultures have their own interpretations of daemon-like beings.
Related Words
NOUN
3. An exceptionally enthusiastic or skilled person
A person who displays extraordinary energy, passion, dedication, or ability in a particular activity.
3.1. Exceptional ability and enthusiasm
Someone who pursues an activity with remarkable energy, intensity, passion, or skill.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- amateur
- novice
- beginner
- dilettante
Examples
- She is a daemon at solving complicated mathematical problems.
- He became a programming daemon after years of intensive practice.
- The young athlete was a daemon on the tennis court.
Related Words
NOUN
4. A card game
A form of solitaire, also known as Canfield, played with a standard deck of cards.
4.1. Solitaire card games
A patience or solitaire card game in which players arrange cards according to specific rules.
Synonyms
- Canfield
- Canfield solitaire
Examples
- She spent the afternoon playing daemon with a deck of cards.
- Daemon is another name for the solitaire game known as Canfield.
Related Words
NOUN
5. A background computer process
A computer program or process that runs in the background without direct control from an interactive user terminal.
5.1. Operating system background services
A continuously or periodically running background process that performs system tasks, manages services, or handles requests without direct user interaction.
Synonyms
- background process
- background service
- system service
- service process
Antonyms
- foreground process
- interactive process
Examples
- The web server uses a daemon to handle background tasks.
- A logging daemon records system events while the computer is running.
- The administrator restarted the daemon to restore network connectivity.
Related Words
- operating system
- process
- server
- scheduler
- service manager
- terminal
- Unix
- Linux
- system administration
NOUN
6. A type of butterfly
A butterfly belonging to certain genera of the skipper family Hesperiidae, particularly Notocrypta and Udaspes.
6.1. Skipper butterflies
A butterfly belonging to the skipper family, a group characterized by relatively stout bodies and quick, darting flight.
Synonyms
- skipper butterfly
- skipper
Examples
- The naturalist identified the daemon among several skipper butterflies.
- A daemon butterfly rested briefly on a leaf.
- The collection included specimens from the genus Notocrypta.
Related Words
- Hesperiidae
- Notocrypta
- Udaspes
- insect
- lepidopteran
- butterfly
- caterpillar
- pupa