Glossary of Common Terms
deliverance ministry
A body of religious knowledge claiming the ability to free a person from demonic bondage. This term frequently implies a specific theological viewpoint incorporating irregular doctrine.
Synonyms: deliverance
Related: exorcism
demon
An evil supernatural being characterized by hatred of God and humanity. These are fallen angels known by many other names throughout the Bible. At least some fallen angels have personal names.
Synonyms: evil spirit, fallen angel, impure spirit, lion and cobra [debated], powers and principalities, rebellious angel, snakes and scorpions, unclean spirit
Related: Satan
demonic indwelling
The state of a demon taking up residence within a person or an animal. This does not always suggest possession.
Related: demonic oppression, demonization, possession
demonic oppression
The state of ongoing demonic influence or harm. This can have a mental or physical component when applied to a person or an animal. It may or may not suggest demonic indwelling depending on the context.
Synonyms: demonic torment
Related: demonic indwelling, demonization, possession
demonization
The state of ongoing subjection to demonic indwelling and demonic oppression. While this is not the primary definition of the word as defined in many English language dictionaries, a secondary meaning similar to this definition does exist.1
Other Forms: demonize, demonized
Related: demonic indwelling, demonic oppression, possession
exorcism
The act of expelling a demon, usually from a person but occasionally from an animal. This is a more generic concept than what deliverance ministry implies.
Related: deliverance ministry
possession
- Extensive demonic control over a person or an animal.
- Common biblical translation describing demonization. The biblical meaning does not necessarily suggest the victim has lost all control to demonic influences.
Other Forms: demonic possession
Related: demonic indwelling, demonic oppression, demonization
Satan
The ancient leader of evil angels known by many different names throughout the Bible. This evil angel is a specific, named demon.
Synonyms: the accuser, Baal-Zebub, Beelzebub, Belial, the devil, the dragon, the enemy, the evil one, father of lies, god of this age, god of this world, Lord of Flies, Lucifer, morning star, prince of darkness, prince of this world, roaring lion, ruler of the kingdom of air, ruler of this world, the serpent
Related: demon
- HarperCollins Publishers, “Demonize” (The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, n.d.), https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=demonize.↩