demons
demons — noun
- demonssingular
- demonsesplural
1. an evil supernatural creature that some people believe exists and tries to harm
an evil supernatural creature that some people believe exists and tries to harm living things
The villagers believed that demons lived deep inside the dark forest near the river.
collocation: believe in demons / believe that demons
In the old story, the hero fights demons with a magic sword given by a wise old woman.
countable: fight demons / defeat demons
Local legends describe demons as invisible spirits that bring sickness to anyone who disrespects the mountain.
Hiro's grandmother told him stories about demons that guard the hidden temple at night.
The old cave paintings showed strange figures that looked like demons with animal heads and fiery eyes.
- devil
often used interchangeably, but 'devil' more specifically refers to the chief evil spirit (Satan), while 'demon' refers to lesser evil spirits
- fiend
more old-fashioned or literary; suggests a particularly cruel and violent evil spirit
- evil spirit
a broader, more general term that includes demons and other malevolent supernatural beings
- angel
a good supernatural being that serves God and protects people
文法句型
demons + verb (plural)
demon + verb (singular)
用法筆記
This is the most common meaning, found in religious texts, folklore, horror stories, and fantasy fiction. The singular form 'demon' is used when talking about one evil spirit.
常見錯誤
2. someone who is extremely good or energetic at doing a particular activity — for
someone who is extremely good or energetic at doing a particular activity — for example, a chess player who wins almost every game, or a worker who finishes tasks much faster than others
Beatrix is a demon on the chessboard and can beat almost anyone in the club.
pattern: a demon on [activity noun]
João works like a demon when a deadline is near and never misses a delivery date.
idiomatic phrase: work like a demon
Lakshmi is a demon at negotiating contracts and always gets the best deal for her company.
Kemi is a demon at remembering names and can greet every customer by name after just one visit.
- whiz
more informal and American; e.g. 'a math whiz'; suggests natural talent more than effort
- expert
more formal and neutral; lacks the energetic or enthusiastic sense of 'demon'
- powerhouse
emphasises energy and effectiveness; often used for a person or team in business or sports
文法句型
a demon + at + noun/gerund
a demon + on + noun
work like a demon
用法筆記
Always used with 'a' (singular) despite the headword being plural. This is a figurative, informal use. Commonly paired with 'at' (before a gerund or noun) or 'on' (before a noun representing the activity). The phrase 'like a demon' acts as an adverb describing how someone works.
常見錯誤
3. a cruel, violent, or morally wicked person who causes others to suffer
a cruel, violent, or morally wicked person who causes others to suffer
The prison guard was a cold-hearted demon who showed no mercy to the frightened prisoners.
Andrew called his former boss a demon after finding out how he had cheated the staff out of their pay.
collocation: call someone a demon
In the film, the kind hero slowly turns into a demon driven by greed and revenge.
Salma told the children that the story's villain was a demon who stole food from the poor villagers.
文法句型
(a) demon + verb
用法筆記
Used as a strong insult. Unlike sense 2 (SKILLED PERSON), this sense is purely negative and compares the person's character to that of an evil supernatural being. Often appears with intensifying adjectives like 'cold-hearted', 'cruel', or 'real'.
常見錯誤
4. a powerful negative emotion such as anger, jealousy, self-doubt, or guilt that t
a powerful negative emotion such as anger, jealousy, self-doubt, or guilt that troubles someone's mind and causes them to behave in harmful ways
Greta has been fighting her inner demons ever since the car accident last winter.
common collocation: inner demons / fight one's demons
Sivan's demons of jealousy slowly destroyed her closest friendships over the years.
pattern: demons of [emotion]
After years of therapy, Dario finally made peace with the demons of his difficult childhood.
Sirin could not escape the demons of doubt that whispered in her mind before every important exam.
Élise's demons drove her to check the front door lock five times every night before bed.
- inner struggles
more clinical and less intense; describes the same psychological conflict without the figurative weight
- torment
a more general noun for severe mental or physical suffering; not specific to plural inner conflicts
- personal battles
broader and can include external challenges; less emotionally charged than 'demons'
- peace of mind
a state of calm and contentment, free from worry or guilt
文法句型
possessive + demons
inner demons
demons + of + noun
用法筆記
Almost always used in the plural form ('demons'), even when referring to one feeling. Common with possessive adjectives ('my demons', 'her demons'). The adjective 'inner' is frequently added for emphasis. This sense is figurative and metaphorical, not literal.