Damon

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A supernatural spirit or lesser divinity in ancient Greek belief ; a masculine first name of Greek origin
2. In ancient Greek thought, an intermediate spirit or guiding divine being ; a male personal name borrowed from Greek
3. A minor supernatural entity in classical Greek religion ; a first name given to boys, notably in English-speaking countries

Etymology: The name Damon comes from ancient Greece, where Δάμων (Dámōn) was a personal name, and it is best known from the story of Damon and Pythias. In that tale, Pythias was condemned to death by a tyrant, and he asked leave to go home to settle his affairs. His friend Damon stood surety, pledging his own life that Pythias would return. Pythias came back just in time, and the tyrant, moved by such loyalty, pardoned them both. The name became a byword for devoted friendship, and in English "Damon" is still used that way, often paired with "Pythias" as a set phrase for close companions. The Greek name is derived from δαμάζω (damázō), meaning "to tame" or "to subdue," so the name carries the sense of one who subdues or masters. Its link to the friendship story is a matter of later reputation rather than meaning: the name itself says nothing about loyalty, and the virtue was attached to it by the tale.

Synonyms: demon, spirit, daemon, genie

Antonyms: angel