Where does “demon” come from?

demon (Medieval Latin) comes from Ancient Greek δαίμων, from Ancient Greek δαίω, from Proto-Indo-European deh₂y-, from Proto-Indo-European deh₂- — to share, divide.

demon (Medieval Latin): accusative singular of dēmos; spirit

Definitions

  1. accusative singular of dēmos; spirit

Ancestry of “demon”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Ancient Greekδαίμωνgod, goddess; departed soul; demon, evil spirit
2Ancient Greekδαίωto light up, to kindle, to set on fire; to burn...
3Proto-Indo-Europeandeh₂y-to share, divide
4Proto-Indo-Europeandeh₂-to share, divide

Words derived from “demon”

Every word from Proto-Indo-European deh₂- →Every word from Proto-Indo-European deh₂y- →Every word from Ancient Greek δαίω →