Infernals

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A term referring to beings or spirits associated with the underworld or hell, often depicted as embodying evil or chaos
  2. Describing elements or forces thought to be diabolical or associated with torment, frequently appearing in literature and folklore
  3. Pertaining to entities believed to influence or govern the darker aspects of existence, including sin and temptation

Etymology: The noun in question is the plural form of a word that traces its origins to Latin, specifically from "infernus," meaning "of the lower regions" or "of the underworld." This Latin root itself comes from "inferus," meaning "low" or "below," which was used in classical times to denote the underworld or the realm of the dead. The concept of "infernal" things, those associated with this underworld, was closely tied to ancient beliefs about hell, demons, and fiery punishment. By the late Middle Ages, the term "infernal" began to appear in English, borrowed from Old French "infernal," which carried over the Latin sense. It initially described things relating to hell or the devil, often used in religious and literary contexts to evoke images of fire, brimstone, and eternal damnation. The plural "infernals" therefore naturally came to mean either beings from hell—like demons—or things pertaining to the infernal realm. The shift from an adjective to a noun form in the plural is a later development in English, allowing speakers to refer collectively to these hellish entities or forces. The plural form often appears in gothic literature and fantasy genres to evoke a sense of dread and darkness, drawing on centuries of cultural associations with the underworld as a place of punishment and malevolence. The word’s lineage from Latin through Old French into English illustrates the common path many words relating to religion and the supernatural took during the Middle Ages. The vivid imagery connected to "infernals" has helped maintain its evocative power in English, whether as a poetic term, a theological concept, or a staple of imaginative fiction.

Synonyms: devils, demons, hellish beings, fiends, imps

Antonyms: angels, celestials, saints, heavenly beings