bedevil

verb

be·​dev·​il bi-ˈde-vəl How to pronounce bedevil (audio)
bē-
bedeviled; bedeviling; bedevils
Synonyms of bedevilnext

transitive verb

1
: to possess with or as if with a devil
2
: to cause distress : trouble
3
: to change for the worse : spoil
4
: to confuse utterly
bedevilment
bi-ˈde-vəl-mənt How to pronounce bedevil (audio)
bē-
noun

Synonyms

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Examples of bedevil in a Sentence

The theory bedevils scientists, none of whom have been able to prove it true or false. The project has been bedeviled by problems since its inception.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Indian Premier League, perhaps even the whole sport of cricket, might have a problem that is bedevilling the NBA right now. — Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 Grasping the problem Some researchers think that even if the data problem can be overcome, deeper issues may bedevil AI robots. — Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 17 Mar. 2025 The issue of how aggressively to go after Russian oil and gas bedeviled America and its allies during the Biden administration. — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 Trump berated his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, for the woes bedeviling the country. — Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bedevil

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bedevil was in 1574

Rhymes for bedevil

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Browse Nearby Words

bedevil
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Cite this Entry

“Bedevil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bedevil. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

bedevil

verb
be·​dev·​il bi-ˈdev-əl How to pronounce bedevil (audio)
: to trouble or annoy again and again : pester, harass
bedeviled by problems
bedevilment
-mənt How to pronounce bedevil (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on bedevil

Nglish: Translation of bedevil for Spanish Speakers

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