devil
devil Lexical Profile
devil Game Scores & Validity
• noun
In Jewish and Christian theology, the supreme spirit of evil and spiritual adversary of God and humanity, often identified as Satan; more broadly, any subordinate demon or malignant supernatural entity.
"Medieval tapestries often depicted the devil as a horned figure tempting mortals away from virtue."
A very wicked, cruel, or malicious person; or, playfully, a mischievous, energetic, or unfortunate individual.
"That clever little devil managed to unlock the cabinet before anyone noticed."
A Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), a stocky, carnivorous marsupial of the family Dasyuridae native to Tasmania, characterized by black fur, a pungent odor, and a fierce temperament.
"Conservationists have worked tirelessly to protect the devil from a contagious facial tumor disease."
British A junior barrister who performs legal research and drafts pleadings for a senior barrister, or historically, the youngest apprentice in a printing office.
"In the nineteen-fifties, he worked as a devil in a prominent London chambers before taking silk."
• verb
To prepare food (especially eggs, crab, or meat) with hot, spicy seasoning such as cayenne pepper, mustard, or hot sauce.
"The chef decided to devil the crab meat with dry mustard and cayenne before baking it in shells."
To harass, torment, or worry someone persistently with difficulties or annoyances.
"Persistent supply chain delays continued to devil the manufacturing team throughout the quarter."
• Rhymes for devil
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'dēofol', via Late Latin 'diabolus', from Ancient Greek 'diábolos' (literally 'slanderer' or 'accuser'), derived from 'diabállein' ('to throw across' or 'to slander').