Definition

Noun: A supernatural being, often malevolent or malicious, believed to cause harm, misfortune, or torment to people.

Usage

The term "evil spirit" is used to describe a non-physical entity from folklore, mythology, or religious belief systems that is inherently harmful. It is typically used in contexts discussing the supernatural, possession, curses, or spiritual warfare. - The ancient legend tells of an evil spirit that haunts the forest. - Some cultures perform rituals to ward off evil spirits. - She felt as if an evil spirit was draining her energy.

Advanced Usage

• "to be possessed by an evil spirit": to be under the control of a malevolent supernatural entity.
  • In the story, the character was possessed by an evil spirit.
• "to conjure/summon an evil spirit": to call forth a malevolent supernatural being through ritual or magic.
  • The forbidden ritual was said to summon an evil spirit.

Variants and Related Words

• Demon (n): Often used synonymously, but can imply a more specific type of evil spirit from certain religious contexts.
• Malevolent spirit (n): A more formal term with the same meaning.
• Malign entity (n): A formal alternative emphasizing harmful intent.

Synonyms

• Demon
• Fiend
• Malevolent entity
• Malignant spirit

Related Phrases

• Banishing an evil spirit: The act of driving away a harmful supernatural being.
  • The ceremony was for banishing an evil spirit from the village.
• Evil spirit infestation: A situation where a place is believed to be plagued by multiple harmful spirits.
  • The old house was said to suffer from an evil spirit infestation.

Idioms

• "Fight like an evil spirit": To struggle with fierce, unnatural, or malevolent intensity (less common, contextual).
  • The storm fought against the ship like an evil spirit.

Noun

1. a spirit tending to cause harm