Definition

Adjective 1. As if possessed by demons; dominated or tormented by evil spirits or malevolent forces. This describes a state where a person, place, or thing appears to be under the control or severe influence of demons, either literally or figuratively. 2. Obsessed or plagued by a persistent, troubling, or destructive influence. Used metaphorically to describe being overwhelmed by a powerful negative force, such as fear, guilt, addiction, or a harmful ideology.

Usage

The adjective "demon-ridden" is typically used attributively (before a noun) to describe the noun it modifies. It conveys a strong sense of being controlled, haunted, or corrupted.

Examples

• The villagers avoided the demon-ridden forest after dark.
• In the story, the demon-ridden king issued cruel and irrational decrees.
• He lived a demon-ridden life, constantly battling his inner demons of addiction and self-doubt.
• The historian described the era as a demon-ridden period of paranoia and witch hunts.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative and Psychological Use: In modern contexts, "demon-ridden" is often used figuratively in psychology, literature, and everyday speech to describe internal struggles.
  • Her demon-ridden past made it difficult for her to trust anyone.
• Descriptive of Atmospheres or Places: It can describe locations that feel oppressive, evil, or haunted.
  • The old, abandoned asylum had a demon-ridden atmosphere.

Variants and Related Words

• Demon (n.): An evil spirit or devil. The source of the torment in "demon-ridden."
• Haunted (adj.): Inhabited or visited by ghosts; (fig.) preoccupied or distressed.
• Tormented (adj.): Experiencing or characterized by severe suffering or mental anguish.
• Bedeviled (adj.): Caused great and continual trouble to; plagued. (Shares the "devil/demon" root).

Synonyms

• Possessed
• Bedeviled
• Haunted
• Tormented
• Obsessed (in the figurative sense)
• Plagued

Antonyms

• Blessed
• Peaceful
• Untroubled
• Serene
• Sanctified

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To be ridden by/with something: This is the grammatical pattern. "Demon-ridden" follows the structure of being burdened or dominated by something (e.g., guilt-ridden, debt-ridden).
  • He was guilt-ridden after the accident. (Similar structure, different "burden.")
• To have one's demons: To struggle with persistent personal problems or addictions.
  • The famous actor was talented but famously had his demons. (This idiom relates closely to the figurative meaning of "demon-ridden.")

Adjective

1. as if possessed by demons