Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “Satanism” come from?

Satanism derives from English Satan, through Ancient Greek -ισμός and -μός suffixes, from Latin Satan, ultimately from Hebrew שָׂטָן meaning adversary or accuser.

Satanism (English): Worship of Satan; A profession, philosophy, or...

Definitions

  1. Worship of Satan; A profession, philosophy, or...

Ancestry of “Satanism”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishSatanA demon follower of Satan ; a fallen angel
2Middle EnglishSathan—
3Old EnglishSatan—
4LatinSatān—
5Ancient GreekΣατάν—
6Hebrewשָׂטָןadversary, accuser; Satan, adversary
Every word from Hebrew שָׂטָן →