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Bedeviled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bedeviled

[bɪˈdɛv.əld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

persistent annoyance

Bedeviled means to cause great and continuous trouble or distress to someone. It often implies that the troubles are relentless and overwhelming, creating a sense of being tormented or plagued.

Synonyms

afflicted, harassed, plagued, tormented, troubled.

Examples of usage

  • The team was bedeviled by injuries throughout the season.
  • He was bedeviled by self-doubt before the big presentation.
  • The project became bedeviled with unforeseen complications.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, characters often feel 'bedeviled' when they face internal struggles or overwhelming external challenges.
  • Works by authors like Edgar Allan Poe often depict characters who are 'bedeviled' by their own fears or guilt.
  • The term appears in various classic stories to highlight themes of conflict and existential distress.

Psychology

  • In psychological contexts, feeling 'bedeviled' can refer to anxiety or distress caused by unresolved issues or obsessions.
  • It’s common for people to feel 'bedeviled' by guilt, suggesting that past actions can linger and trouble the mind.
  • Therapeutic approaches often help individuals resolve what 'bedevils' them, turning burdens into manageable challenges.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'bedeviled' has been used in popular songs to describe feelings of love and heartbreak, showing emotional turmoil.
  • In films and TV shows, characters may be 'bedeviled' by supernatural elements, adding a layer of complexity to their journeys.
  • Comedy often employs the concept of being 'bedeviled' for humor, where minor annoyances lead to exaggerated chaotic situations.

Everyday Usage

  • 'Bedeviled' can describe any situation where someone feels overwhelmed by troubles, such as decisions in work or relationships.
  • In conversation, people might jokingly refer to their tech problems as being 'bedeviled' when devices malfunction at the worst times.
  • Politicians might use the term metaphorically to describe how they are 'bedeviled' by scandals and public opinion.

Origin of 'bedeviled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bedeviled' originates from 'bedevil', which came into use around the 16th century, combining 'be-' (to make) and 'devil'.
  • Historically, to 'bedevil' meant to act like a devil, suggesting a sense of mischief or causing trouble.
  • The prefix 'be-' often indicates making something into a state, in this case, making someone feel like they are being tormented.

The word 'bedeviled' has its roots in the early 14th century, derived from the combination of the prefix 'be-' and the word 'devil', which signifies a mischievous or tormenting spirit. The prefix 'be-' often intensifies the meaning of the base word, suggesting an action that affects something thoroughly or completely. Originally, 'bedeviled' carried a more literal sense of being acted upon by a devil or evil spirit, but over time it evolved into a more figurative use indicating being troubled or plagued by something incessant and troublesome. The term has been used historically in literary and religious contexts to describe a variety of afflictions, ranging from personal misfortunes to societal issues, encapsulating the human experience of feeling overwhelmed or oppressed by challenges.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,586 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.