Diabolical: meaning, definitions and examples
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diabolical
[ ˌdaɪ.əˈbɒl.ɪ.kəl ]
describing a cruel or wicked person or action
Extremely wicked or cruel; carried out with great evil or cruelty. Diabolical actions are often motivated by a desire to harm others or cause suffering.
Synonyms
cruel, evil, malevolent, wicked.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| diabolical |
Used to describe an act or plan that is extremely wicked or shocking in a way that makes one think of the devil.
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| wicked |
Used to describe something or someone morally wrong and evil, but can also be used informally to mean something excellent or cool, depending on context.
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| evil |
Used to describe something profoundly immoral and malevolent, having a very negative and harmful effect.
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| cruel |
Used to describe someone who causes pain or suffering intentionally, often without caring about the consequences.
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| malevolent |
Used to describe someone who wishes bad things to happen to others, often showing hidden intention to harm.
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Examples of usage
- The diabolical villain plotted to destroy the city and everyone in it.
- Her diabolical plan involved framing her innocent colleague for a crime he didn't commit.
- The diabolical scheme to overthrow the government was thwarted by the authorities.
describing something with an evil or harmful nature
Suggestive of the devil or evil forces; showing a desire to harm others. Diabolical objects, events, or situations often evoke a sense of fear or unease.
Synonyms
devilish, evil, malevolent, sinister.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| diabolical |
Used to describe something extremely bad or shocking, often to a degree that seems to be influenced by a devil or great evil. Typically used in intense situations.
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| sinister |
Used to describe something that seems threatening or harmful, often giving off a sense of danger or foreboding.
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| devilish |
Often used to describe mischievous or playful behavior with a hint of naughtiness, though it can also imply something wicked but in a less intense way than 'diabolical'.
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| malevolent |
Describes a person or behavior that is harmful or has the intention to do harm. It can be used in both physical and emotional contexts.
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| evil |
Refers to profound immorality, wickedness, and malevolence. This word is often used to describe actions, intentions, or people who are morally wrong in a significant way.
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Examples of usage
- The diabolical laughter echoed through the haunted house, sending shivers down our spines.
- The diabolical plan to sabotage the peace talks was discovered just in time.
- The diabolical symbols carved into the walls seemed to pulse with a malevolent energy.
Translations
Translations of the word "diabolical" in other languages:
🇵🇹 diabólico
🇮🇳 शैतानी
🇩🇪 teuflisch
🇮🇩 jahat
🇺🇦 диявольський
🇵🇱 diabelski
🇯🇵 悪魔的な
🇫🇷 diabolique
🇪🇸 diabólico
🇹🇷 şeytani
🇰🇷 악마 같은
🇸🇦 شيطاني
🇨🇿 ďábelský
🇸🇰 diabolský
🇨🇳 恶魔的
🇸🇮 diaboličen
🇮🇸 djöfullegur
🇰🇿 шайтандық
🇬🇪 ეშმაკური
🇦🇿 şeytani
🇲🇽 diabólico
Etymology
The word 'diabolical' has its origins in the Late Middle English period, derived from the Old French word 'diabolique' and the Late Latin word 'diabolicus', both of which mean 'devilish'. The term has been used to describe evil or wicked actions or intentions, often associated with the devil or supernatural forces. Over time, 'diabolical' has become a common adjective to convey extreme cruelty, wickedness, or malevolence.