Definition of fiend

The origin of the word "fiend" dates back to the Middle English period, around the 14th century. It comes from the Old English word "fenden," which meant "adversary" or "enemy." In Middle English, the word "fiend" was most commonly used to refer to a demon or evil spirit, usually associated with Christianity and the belief in supernatural forces. The word derives from the Old French "feinde," which also meant "enemy" or "demons," and may have been influenced by the Latin word "fendentes," which translates to "hostile" or "opposed to." The meaning of the word expanded over time to include any person or thing that causes harm, trouble or irritation. However, the association with supernatural evil or demonic beings continued, as seen in popular culture through words such as "fiendish" or "fiend's lair." Overall, the origin of the word "fiend" reflects the medieval view of supernatural entities as powerful and malevolent beings that could cause harm to humans, but today it is more commonly used as a descriptive term for anything that is difficult or unpleasant to deal with.