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Bedevilling: meaning, definitions and examples

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bedevilling

 

[ bɪˈdɛv.ɪ.lɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

causing distress

Bedevilling refers to the act of causing someone to experience great distress, trouble, or annoyance. This term often implies a persistent or tormenting quality associated with the troubles inflicted upon a person. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing challenges that plague an individual or problematic situations that seem to multiply. This word is derived from the verb 'bedevil', which means to torment or harass someone. In any case, when one is bedevilled, they are often overwhelmed by negative circumstances that seem unmanageable.

Synonyms

afflict, harass, torment, trouble

Examples of usage

  • The project was bedevilled by constant delays.
  • He was bedevilled by doubts about his decision.
  • The team is bedevilled by injuries this season.

Translations

Translations of the word "bedevilling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atormentar

🇮🇳 परेशान करना

🇩🇪 quälen

🇮🇩 mengganggu

🇺🇦 досаждати

🇵🇱 dręczyć

🇯🇵 悩ませる

🇫🇷 tourmenter

🇪🇸 atormentar

🇹🇷 sıkıntı vermek

🇰🇷 괴롭히다

🇸🇦 يؤذي

🇨🇿 trápit

🇸🇰 trápiť

🇨🇳 折磨

🇸🇮 mučiti

🇮🇸 pína

🇰🇿 азаптау

🇬🇪 ტანჯვა

🇦🇿 əziyyət etmək

🇲🇽 atormentar

Etymology

The term 'bedevilling' is derived from the verb 'bedevil', which has origins in Late Middle English. It is a combination of 'be-' (a prefix meaning 'about', 'around', or 'in the manner of') and 'devil', which comes from the Old French 'deu', evolving from Latin 'diabolus', meaning 'slanderer' or 'accuser'. The concept of being bedevilled has connotations of being plagued by malevolent forces or overwhelming problems, tying back to the mythical idea of the devil as a source of temptation and distress. Over time, 'bedevil' transitioned into a figurative sense, where it could refer to any troublesome or tormenting experience, not solely of a supernatural nature. The term has been used in literature and common conversation to highlight the stresses and annoyances that trouble people's daily lives.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,902, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.