[de.mon] or dae.mon n [ME demon, fr. LL & L; LL daemon evil spirit, fr. L, divinity, spirit, fr. Gk daimon, prob. fr. daiesthai to distribute--more at tide] (13c) 1 a: an evil spirit b: a source or agent of evil, harm, distress, or ruin
2. usu daemon: an attendant power or spirit: genius 3 usu daemon: a supernatural being of Greek mythology intermediate between gods and men
4: one that has exceptional enthusiasm, drive, or effectiveness "a ~ for work" -- de.mo.ni.an adj -- de.mon.iza.tion n -- de.mon.ize vt