satanist
satanist Lexical Profile
satanist Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An adherent of Satanism, either as a practitioner of theistic devil worship or as a follower of a modern non-theistic movement that uses Satan as a symbolic representation of individualism and rebellion against religious orthodoxy.
"The documentary interviewed a self-described Satanist who explained that his organization promotes secularism and civil liberties rather than supernatural beliefs."
• adjective
Relating to or characteristic of Satanism or its adherents.
"The sociological study examined how Satanist philosophy emphasizes personal autonomy and rational inquiry."
Word Nuance & Usage
In religious studies and contemporary usage, the term encompasses both historical or literary depictions of literal devil worship and modern non-theistic philosophical movements (such as LaVeyan Satanism) that view Satan purely as a symbol of individualism and skepticism rather than an actual deity.
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the mid-16th century, formed from 'Satan' (ultimately from Hebrew 'śāṭān', meaning 'adversary' or 'accuser') combined with the agent suffix '-ist'.