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Glite Dictionary
diabolatry

diabolatry

9.9
The worship of devils or Satan
  • noun
  • /ˈdaɪəˌbɒlətri/
  • Archaic
translation icon : diabolatría
  • The ancient manuscript detailed various rituals of diabolatry practiced in secret.

Examples

  • The cult's beliefs centered around diabolatry, with followers conducting ceremonies in hidden locations.

  • Throughout history, instances of diabolatry have sparked fear and condemnation among many communities.

  • We must seek new and ever more powerful diabolatry.

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Synonyms

Satanism
vsdiabolatry
11 8.9

Belief in and worship of Satan or devils, often with ceremonies and special practices

is more specific, naming worship that often uses defined ritual acts
diabolism
vsdiabolatry
1 9.9

Belief in or worship of devils, especially Satan

is more about active worship and rites rather than mere belief
demonism
vsdiabolatry
1 9.9

Belief in or worship of evil spirits like Satan

is specifically focused on devils or Satan and often involves rites
devil-worship
vsdiabolatry
9.9

To pray to devils or evil spirits, often using special rituals

is the formal term for worship of devils or Satan through rites
demonolatry
vsdiabolatry
  • Specialized
9.9

The worship of demons or evil spirits, often in secret ceremonies

is focused on worship of devils or Satan rather than broader demons

Surface Forms

diabolatry singular
diabolatries plural

Morphology

diabolatry = devil (semi-transparent) = diabol + latry

The components correspond to 'devil' + a specialized suffix meaning 'worship' (as in 'idolatry'); the root form is not a common standalone in modern English and the suffix is rare, so the meaning is partly but not fully obvious to learners.

Etymology

The word diabolatry comes from two parts: diabol-, from a Greek word that became our devil and originally meant 'slanderer', and -latry, the same ending as in idolatry that means 'worship'. So diabolatry literally means 'worship of the devil', which is why it refers to rites or practices that honour devils or Satan.