Bedevil Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
😈
bedevil
[bɪˈdɛvəl ]
Definition
to cause trouble
To bedevil someone means to cause them distress or trouble, often in a troublesome or playful manner. This term is often used to describe persistent annoyance or harassment. The word conveys a sense of mischief or vexation.
Synonyms
bother, harass, torment, trouble, vex.
Examples of usage
- The loud noise from the construction site bedeviled the residents.
- He was bedeviled by doubts about his decision.
- The technical issues have bedeviled the project since its inception.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Writers often use 'bedevil' to describe the struggles characters face, adding depth to their challenges.
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters experiencing inner turmoil are sometimes said to be 'bedeviled' by their conscience or fate.
- The phrase 'bedevilment' embodies the idea of overwhelming trouble, often used in novels portraying conflict.
Psychology
- People may feel 'bedeviled' by their thoughts, indicating anxiety or stress that troubles their mind.
- Experiencing feelings of being bedeviled can be associated with cognitive distortions, where negative thinking patterns arise.
- In therapeutic settings, clients often seek to unravel what bedevils them to find clarity and relief.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters plagued by unfortunate events are often depicted as being 'bedeviled' by their circumstances.
- Shows like 'The Twilight Zone' frequently showcase characters pushed to their limits, embodying the essence of being bedeviled.
- Music lyrics sometimes reference 'bedevilment', illustrating struggles in relationships or life challenges.
Cultural Expressions
- The term 'bedevil' has influenced expressions like 'bedeviled eggs' in the culinary world, referring to spicy deviled eggs.
- In folk tales, heroes often face a 'bedeviling' challenge that tests their courage and spirit, symbolizing life's trials.
- The idea of being bedeviled resonates in various cultures, representing life's unpredictable troubles.
Origin of 'bedevil'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the prefix 'be-' meaning 'to make' and 'devil', suggesting making someone like a devil would feel.
- Originally, it meant to act like a devil, causing trouble or mischief.
- It has been used in English since the 15th century, frequently appearing in religious and literary contexts.
The word 'bedevil' originates from the early 16th century, derived from the prefix 'be-' and the word 'devil.' The prefix 'be-' is used in a sense of 'to make or to cause,' while 'devil' refers to the chief evil spirit in various religious traditions. This compound creates an image of someone who is acting like a devil or causing devilish troubles. Over time, 'bedevil' came to refer to various forms of annoyance or trouble, reflecting the mischievous and troublesome nature associated with the term 'devil.' In literature and common usage, the word has retained this connotation of causing consistent frustration or mischief, often in a less serious and more playful context.