arch-fiend
Definition
- Noun:
- The supreme or chief fiend: "arch-fiend" refers to the most powerful or principal evil spirit, often specifically identified with Satan or the Devil in Christian theology.
- A leading evil figure: In a broader sense, it can denote any preeminent or chief villain, especially in literary or figurative contexts.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Milton's Paradise Lost portrays Satan as the arch-fiend who rebels against God. (The supreme evil being in the epic poem.)
- In many horror stories, the arch-fiend is the ultimate antagonist that heroes must defeat. (The chief evil character.)
Advanced Usage
- "The arch-fiend of chaos": a poetic or rhetorical phrase used to describe a person or force seen as the primary source of disorder or evil.
- The dictator was often called the arch-fiend of the century. (The ultimate villain of the time.)
Variants and Related Words
- Arch- (prefix): a prefix meaning "chief" or "principal," used in words like , , or .
- The archangel Michael is the chief angel, in contrast to the arch-fiend. (Prefix indicating supreme rank.)
- Fiend (noun): an evil spirit or demon; also used informally for someone extremely wicked or cruel.
- The villain was a fiend who delighted in causing pain. (A demonic or evil person.)
Synonyms
- Satan: the chief adversary of God in Christian belief.
- Devil: a supreme evil spirit.
- Prince of Darkness: a traditional epithet for Satan.
- Antichrist: a figure expected to oppose Christ in Christian eschatology.
Related Idioms
- To face the arch-fiend: to confront the ultimate evil or a formidable opponent.
- The hero prepared to face the arch-fiend in the final battle. (To confront the chief evil.)
Phrasal Verbs (Not applicable)
- This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs, as it is a specific noun compound.