satanic

Everyday

1. To do with Satan, who Christians believe is the devil, the chief spirit of evil. tree →
2. Very evil or cruel. tree →
3. (literature) "Dark satanic mills" is a famous phrase from William Blake's poem "Jerusalem", often taken to mean the grim factories of the Industrial Revolution. tree →

In the lessons

In religion lessons, Christians believe Satan is a fallen angel who tempts people to do wrong; "satanic" describes anything linked to him. In history and English lessons, Blake's "dark satanic mills" are discussed when learning about factories. In stories, "satanic" is a strong word for something wicked. Phrases: satanic forces, dark satanic mills, satanic laugh.

Examples

• Christians believe Satan is the devil, so "satanic" means "of the devil". tree →
• We sang "Jerusalem", which mentions "dark satanic mills". tree →
• The villain gave a satanic laugh. tree →
• The old film was about a satanic cult. tree →
• Blake may have meant the factories when he wrote "satanic mills". tree →
• Some people called the cruel king satanic. tree →

Note

Often written with a capital S when it refers to Satan directly ("Satanic"). Strong word; in everyday speech "evil" or "wicked" is gentler. Pronounced "suh-TAN-ik".