energumen

energumen

A priest performs an exorcism on an energumen.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A person possessed by a demon or evil spirit: "energumen" refers to an individual believed to be under the influence or control of a supernatural entity, often in religious or superstitious contexts.
    • A fanatic or zealot: By extension, "energumen" can describe a person who is intensely, often irrationally, devoted to a cause, belief, or activity, displaying extreme enthusiasm or fervour.
Usage Examples

  • Noun (possession):

    • The medieval village feared the energumen who claimed to speak in a strange tongue. (A person believed to be possessed by a demon.)
    • Exorcists were called to free the energumen from the malevolent spirit. (A possessed individual undergoing religious rites.)

  • Noun (fanatic):

    • He was an energumen of the political movement, shouting slogans day and night. (A fanatical supporter.)
    • The energumen's relentless dedication to the cult alarmed his family. (A zealot with extreme devotion.)
Advanced Usage
  • "To act like an energumen": To behave with uncontrolled passion or frenzy.
    • The crowd acted like energumens, screaming and pushing to get closer to the stage. (They behaved fanatically or hysterically.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Energumenism (n): the state or condition of being an energumen; fanaticism.

    • His energumenism made him blind to reason. (His fanatical state prevented rational thought.)

  • Energumenical (adj): relating to or characteristic of an energumen.

    • Her energumenical fervour was both inspiring and frightening. (Her fanatical enthusiasm.)
Synonyms
  • Possessed: under the control of a spirit or demon.
  • Zealot: a person with extreme enthusiasm for a cause.
  • Fanatic: a person with obsessive devotion to a belief or activity.
Related Idioms

  • "Possessed by a demon": a direct description of an energumen in religious contexts.

    • He was believed to be possessed by a demon, making him an energumen. (He was thought to be under supernatural influence.)

  • "On fire with passion": describing the intense fervour of a fanatical energumen.

    • She was on fire with passion for her cause, a true energumen. (She was extremely enthusiastic.)