demonlike

Demonlike is an adjective used to describe something that resembles a demon or exhibits characteristics commonly associated with demons. It suggests supernatural or unnatural qualities, often including aggression, hostility, or a grotesque appearance, but it does not by itself imply possession or a moral judgment. The word is formed from demon plus the suffix -like and is widely used in English; the hyphenated variant demon-like is also common.

In literature, art, film, and folklore, demonlike features may describe creatures, masks, or atmospheres intended to evoke fear or the uncanny. Examples include demonlike eyes, a demonlike silhouette, or a demonlike aura. The term is often used to convey resemblance rather than declaring a being to be an actual demon, and it can carry descriptive or evaluative nuance depending on context. It should not be confused with demonic, which more directly denotes possession, evil nature, or spiritual affiliation.

In scholarly or descriptive writing, demonlike functions as a precise but flexible descriptor. It is common in discussions of myths, horror fiction, or religious or fantastical art that depicts demons or demonic motifs, as well as in modern fantasy and role-playing games. See also demonology, demon, fiend, and infernal.