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Bedeviled: meaning, definitions and examples

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bedeviled

 

[ bɪˈdɛv.əld ]

Verb
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

Translations of the word "bedeviled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atormentado

🇮🇳 परेशान

🇩🇪 geplagt

🇮🇩 terganggu

🇺🇦 обтяжений

🇵🇱 dręczony

🇯🇵 悩まされる

🇫🇷 tourmenté

🇪🇸 atormentado

🇹🇷 rahatsız edilmiş

🇰🇷 괴롭힘을 당한

🇸🇦 مضطهد

🇨🇿 mučený

🇸🇰 mučený

🇨🇳 困扰的

🇸🇮 mučen

🇮🇸 pláguð

🇰🇿 азапталған

🇬🇪 წვალობენ

🇦🇿 əziyyət çəkən

🇲🇽 atormentado

Etymology

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.