Devil

Devil, in Western religions and sects, chief spirit of evil and commander of lesser evil spirits or demons. Dualistic systems—notably Zoroastrianism, gnosticism, and Manichaeism—have regarded the devil as the uncreated equal of God, engaged in an eternal war for evil against good. Such beliefs have appeared sporadically in connection with the occult and devil worship. In Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the devil, Satan, is a fallen angel, powerful but subordinate to God, who opposes God and tempts humanity, but is to be utterly defeated and bound at the Last Judgment.