|
|
Definition of Bedevil
1. Verb. Treat cruelly. "The performance is likely to bedevil Sue"; "The children tormented the stuttering teacher"
Specialized synonyms: Madden, Hamstring, Badger, Beleaguer, Bug, Pester, Tease, Oppress, Persecute
Generic synonyms: Beset, Chevvy, Chevy, Chivvy, Chivy, Harass, Harry, Hassle, Molest, Plague, Provoke
Derivative terms: Bedevilment, Crucifixion, Frustration, Torment, Torment, Tormenter, Tormentor
2. Verb. Be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly. "The performance is likely to bedevil Sue"; "This question befuddled even the teacher"
Specialized synonyms: Demoralize, Amaze, Baffle, Beat, Bewilder, Dumbfound, Flummox, Get, Gravel, Mystify, Nonplus, Perplex, Pose, Puzzle, Stick, Stupefy, Vex, Disorient, Disorientate
Related verbs: Confuse, Disconcert, Flurry, Put Off
Generic synonyms: Be
Derivative terms: Befuddlement, Confusion, Discombobulation
Definition of Bedevil
1. v. t. To throw into utter disorder and confusion, as if by the agency of evil spirits; to bring under diabolical influence; to torment.
Definition of Bedevil
1. Verb. To harass or cause trouble for; to plague. ¹
2. Verb. To perplex or bewilder. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Bedevil
1. to harass [v -ILED, -ILING, -ILS or -ILLED, -ILLING, -ILS] - See also: harass
Lexicographical Neighbors of Bedevil
Literary usage of Bedevil
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. Discovery and Conquests of the North-west, with the History of Chicago by Rufus Blanchard (1881)
""We don't know that we shall exactly take it, but we shall bedevil the nest."
"So," Mr. Lincoln said, "if we don't capture Douglas we shall bedevil his nest ..."
2. Dictionary of National Biography by LESLIE. STEPHEN, Sidney Lee (1886)
"... or Distress'd Love,' and an equally weak farce ' All bedevil'd, or the House
in a Hum',' neither of which ..."
3. Thesaurus of English words and phrases by Peter Mark Roget (1883)
"59 ; break the ranks, disconcert, convulse; break in upon. turn topsy-turvy &c.
(invert) 21S ; bedevil ; complicate, involve, perplex, confound ; im-, ..."
4. Notes and Queries by Martim de Albuquerque (1853)
"... baa a farce appended to it called All bedevil'd, or the House in a Hurry.
Browne was patronised by Hervey, the author of the Meditations. ..."
Other Resources:
