How did the word 'demon' come to have its current meaning?

Question

Hello Vasiliki, how are you?

Even though it might involve more history than linguistics, from what I know, the word has its origins in Ancient Greek. Any idea how it got its current negative connotation?

Answer 1

Hi Caetano

I'm fine and happy to hear from you.  Your question is very interesting.  

The ancient Greek word “δαίμων” comes from the verb δαίω, meaning “μοιράζω” (divide, share, distribute).  Δαίμων initially meant a god entity that gave out destinies to people.  

Later the word took the following meanings:
Fate, destiny
Good spirit
Bad spirit (devil)

One possible explanation for the change of meaning (from positive to negative) is the influence of the Christian religion.  If δαίμων meant Pagan god, then it had to be given a negative meaning, a synonym to devil.

There are many derivative words of δαίμων in modern Greek, most of them with a negative meaning.  One derivative however "ευδαιμονία" (eudaemonia or eudemonia) still has a positive meaning:  happiness, welfare, human flourishing.