Possessed by or influenced by an evil spirit; exhibiting demonic or devilish behavior.
From 'cacodaemon' + '-iac' suffix (one affected by or possessing). This term evolved from classical demonology into theological discourse.
Medieval theologians used this word to describe people they believed were possessed—what we'd now recognize as likely suffering from mental illness, epilepsy, or neurological disorders that frightened people without medical knowledge.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.