ˈdi:mən n. 1 a an
evil spirit or
devil,
esp.
one thought to
possess a
person. b
the personification of evil
passion. 2 a
malignant supernatural being; the Devil. 3 (often attrib.) a
forceful,
fierce, or
skilful performer (a demon on the
tennis court; a demon player). 4 a
cruel or
destructive person. 5 (also daemon) a an
inner or
attendant spirit; a
genius (the demon of creativity). b a supernatural being in ancient Greece. ødemon bowler Cricket a
very fast bowler. a demon
for work colloq. a person
who works strenuously. [ME f. med.L demon f. L
daemon f. Gk
daimon deity]