Definition

To portray someone or something as evil or wicked, often unfairly or exaggeratedly.

Example

The media tends to demonise public figures during scandals.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I read an article that said people tend to demonise others when they disagree.

That's true, it happens all the time in social media debates.

Yeah, it's like they forget that everyone has their own perspective.

Exactly! We should try to understand each other instead.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Demonise → It is formed from "demon" (from Greek "daimon", meaning spirit or divine power) and "-ise" (a suffix used to form verbs meaning to make or to become). The word "demonise" means to make someone or something into a demon or to portray them as evil.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'demon' as a spirit that is often seen as evil, and remember that 'demonise' means to make someone appear evil or to treat them as a demon.

Visually Confused Words