démoniaque
/de.mɔ.njak/
The English phrase demonic is translated into French as démoniaque.
The adjective refers to something pertaining to evil spirits. It can also be used figuratively to describe something intensely frenzied or possessed, much like the English expression 'demonic energy'.
Meaning: Pertaining to evil spirits (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective démoniaque is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. To make the adjective plural, add an 's' to form démoniaques.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /de.mɔ.njak/.
Did you know?
- The word démoniaque shares its linguistic DNA with the Greek word 'daimon', which originally referred to a divine spirit or guiding force rather than an evil one.
- While démoniaque describes a state, the French use the phrase faire le diable to describe someone acting out or causing chaos, shifting the focus from the adjective to the action of the devil.
- French has a specific distinction between démoniaque, which refers to the nature of demons, and diabolique, which is more often used to describe a cunning or malicious plan.
Examples in context
- On dirait que ces déclarations ont été faites par un personnage démoniaque sorti d'un film d'horreur, et pourtant, elles ont été dites par un dirigeant politique d'un pays considéré comme "démocratique et civilisé".One would think these declarations were made by a demonic character straight out of a horror film, and yet they were said by a political leader of a country considered "democratic and civilized."This sentence shows how démoniaque can be used to describe a character.Tatoeba #4613974 by Amastan, translation #12236952 by Miktsoanit
- La créature était d'apparence démoniaque.The creature had a demonic appearance.
- Les forces infernales sont à l'œuvre ici.Demonic forces are at play here.
- Tu as vu son regard démoniaque ?Did you see his demonic gaze?
- C'était une soirée vraiment démonique !It was a truly demonic evening!
- Il a un rire démoniaque.He has a demonic laugh.
- Cette musique semble vraiment démoniaque.This music sounds truly demonic.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are watching a horror movie at home.
- EmmaRegarde ce visage démoniaque à l'écran !Look at that demonic face on the screen!
- LucasC'est vrai, il fait peur.It's true, it's scary.
- EmmaLucas, est-ce que tu aimes ce genre de film ?Lucas, do you like this kind of movie?
- LucasPas vraiment, c'est trop intense pour moi.Not really, it is too intense for me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “demonic” translations and entries démoniaque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries démoniaque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
