démonique

Forms

démonique (adjective)^[1][2]

Etymology

It is formed from French démon + -ique.^[1][2] The TLFi and Rey suggest that it may have been shaped by Ancient Greek δαιμονικός (daimonikós, “possessed by a god, demoniac”).^[1][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

It is first found as an adjective in 1422, in Courcy's Histoire de Grèce (La Bouquechardière).^[1][3]

Semantic evolution

It belongs to the first wave of learned derivatives of démon, with démonomanie (1580) and démonologie (1600).^[3] In modern French it is a rare philosophical word, tied to the sense of démon as a guiding spirit or genius: Bergson used it in 1932 of the “demonic” sign that Socrates obeyed.^[1] It is also used as a neuter noun, le démonique, for the irrational forces in man.^[1]

Timeline

• 1422 – First record, in Courcy's Histoire de Grèce.^[1][3]
• 1932 – Bergson uses it of Socrates' inner warning sign.^[1]

Meanings

Adjective

1. (philosophy, rare) Relating to a démon or daemon, or caused by one, close to irrationnel.^[1][2]

Noun

1. (philosophy) With the article le: the demonic, irrational element.^[1]

Related words

• démon
• démoniaque
• démonial
• Ancient Greek δαιμονικός (daimonikós)

References

1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Trésor de la langue française informatisé (2004), ATILF – CNRS & Université de Lorraine, atilf.fr/tlfi; electronic version of Imbs, Paul; Quemada, Bernard, eds. (1971–1994), Trésor de la langue française, Paris: CNRS / Gallimard
2. ^ a b c Rey, Alain, ed. (2005), Le Grand Robert de la langue française, electronic version, Paris: Le Robert
3. ^ a b c d Rey, Alain, ed. (1992), Dictionnaire historique de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert