demone

Demone is the Italian noun for a demon, a supernatural being commonly depicted as malevolent. In Italian grammar it is masculine; the ordinary plural is demoni. It is used across religious, folkloric, and popular contexts and is the standard Italian equivalent of the English word demon.

Etymology: The term derives from Medieval Latin daemonem or daemon, from Latin daemon, which itself comes from the Greek daimon meaning a divine or semi-divine being or spirit. In ancient Greek usage daimones could be neutral or benevolent, but in Christian tradition they acquired a negative connotation as evil spirits.

Usage and sense: In religious and literary contexts, demone denotes evil spirits that tempt, haunt, or possess. In modern Italian fiction and film, demone appears as a creature in horror and fantasy narratives; it can also be used metaphorically to describe a person with fierce energy or destructive tendencies.

Cultural context and cognates: In Romance languages, cognate terms exist such as French démon, Spanish demonio, and Portuguese demônio; all derive from the same Greek root but each language has developed its own form and usage. In English, demone is not standard outside discussions of Italian language or as a proper noun.