verb (used with object), de·mon·ized, de·mon·iz·ing.
- to turn into a demon or make demonlike.
- to subject to the influence of demons.
verb (tr)
- to make into or like a demon
- to subject to demonic influence
- to mark out or describe as evil or culpablethe technique of demonizing the enemy in the run-up to war
1821, “to make into a demon” (literally or figuratively), from Medieval Latin daemonizare, from Latin daemon (see demon). Greek daimonizesthai meant “to be possessed by a demon.” Related: Demonized; demonizing.