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Definition of bedevil

bedevil

/bɪˈdɛv.əl/
be · dev · il
Adjective:bedeviled
•
Past Simple:bedeviled
•
Past Participle:bedeviled
•
Present Participle:bedeviling
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bedevil Lexical Profile

bedevil Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To cause great and continual trouble, difficulty, or distress to someone or something.

Example

"Supply chain delays continued to bedevil the manufacturing project throughout the winter."

2

To confuse, muddle, or perplex someone thoroughly.

Example

"The intricate legal clauses seemed designed to bedevil even the most experienced attorneys."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for bedevil
Antonyms
View all antonyms for bedevil

• Rhymes for bedevil

• Nearby Words

bedcover
bedcovering
bedding
bedevil
bedfellow
bedframe
bedhead

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-18th century from the intensive prefix 'be-' and the noun 'devil', originally meaning to possess with a devil or treat diabolically.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bedevil. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bedevil
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