OpenSynonym

daimon

/ˈdaɪ.mən/

NOUN

1. An evil supernatural spirit

A supernatural being or spiritual entity associated with evil, malevolent influence, or harmful powers.

1.1. Evil spirits and demonic beings

Used to describe malevolent supernatural entities believed to possess evil powers or influence human beings and the physical world.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • angel
  • good spirit
  • divine being

Examples

  • The ancient legend described a daimon that tormented anyone who entered the forbidden temple.
  • The villagers believed that an evil daimon was responsible for the mysterious disturbances.

Related Words

  • evil spirit
  • demonic
  • malevolence
  • possession
  • supernatural
  • hell
  • infernal

1.2. Apparitions and ghostly entities

Used in a broader supernatural sense for mysterious spiritual manifestations, ghostlike beings, or entities believed to appear in the physical world.

Synonyms

Examples

  • A mysterious daimon appeared as a shadowy figure in the abandoned castle.
  • The witnesses described the daimon as a ghostly apparition that vanished without a trace.

Related Words

1.3. Supernatural creatures and spirits

Used for supernatural beings from mythology and folklore, including spirits, demons, and other nonhuman entities with mysterious powers.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The storyteller described the daimon as an ancient supernatural creature dwelling in the forest.
  • According to local folklore, the daimon could assume different forms to deceive travelers.

Related Words

NOUN

2. A guiding or protective supernatural spirit

A spiritual or divine entity that watches over, guides, protects, or influences a person or place, particularly in ancient Greek religious and philosophical traditions.

2.1. Personal guidance and spiritual protection

Used to describe a supernatural guardian or guiding spirit believed to accompany an individual, provide inspiration, or influence personal decisions and destiny.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The philosopher believed that his daimon guided him away from decisions that might lead to wrongdoing.
  • In ancient Greek tradition, a personal daimon could serve as a guardian spirit throughout someone's life.
  • She described her daimon as an inner spiritual presence that inspired her choices.

Related Words

2.2. Divine and mythological beings

Used in ancient Greek mythology and religion to refer to lesser deities or supernatural beings occupying an intermediate position between gods and humans.

Synonyms

Examples

  • Ancient Greek writers sometimes described a daimon as a divine intermediary between gods and mortals.
  • The myth portrayed the daimon as a lesser deity responsible for influencing human affairs.

Related Words

  • deity
  • divinity
  • Olympian gods
  • Greek mythology
  • Hesiod
  • divine power
  • guardian

NOUN

3. An exceptionally passionate or skilled person

A person characterized by extraordinary enthusiasm, energy, strength, or dedication toward a particular activity, pursuit, or interest.

3.1. Enthusiastic and dedicated individuals

Used figuratively to describe someone who pursues an activity with exceptional passion, intensity, determination, or commitment.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • indifferent person
  • apathetic person
  • disinterested person

Examples

  • He was a daimon of classical music, spending every available hour studying and performing it.
  • Her colleagues considered her a daimon of research because of her extraordinary dedication to scientific discovery.

Related Words