fiend

fiend · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An evil spirit or demon.

  2. 2.

    A very wicked or cruel person.

  3. 3.

    (Informal) A person who is extremely enthusiastic about or addicted to something.

Forms

plural: fiends

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    dope fiend — someone addicted to drugs (dated, offensive)
  • •
    fresh-air fiend — someone who loves being outdoors

Related words

Antonyms: angel, saint
See also: demon, devil, monster
Synonyms: demon, devil, fanatic, monster

Etymology

From Old English feond ("enemy, fiend, devil"), originally present participle of feon ("to hate"), related to Gothic fijands ("enemy"). Cognate with German Feind ("enemy").