bedevil

[ bih-dev-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, be·dev·iled, be·dev·il·ing or (especially British) be·dev·illed, be·dev·il·ling.

1. to torment or harass maliciously or diabolically, as with doubts, distractions, or worries.
2. to possess, as with a devil; bewitch.
3. to cause confusion or doubt in; muddle; confound:

   an issue bedeviled by prejudices.

4. to beset or hamper continuously:

   a new building bedeviled by elevator failures.

bedevil

/ bɪˈdɛvəl /

verb

1. to harass or torment
2. to throw into confusion
3. to possess, as with a devil

Derived Forms

• beˈdevilment, noun

Other Words From

• be·devil·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bedevil¹

First recorded in 1760–70; be- + devil

Example Sentences

The Fremen, whose home planet is Arrakis, where Spice is mined, bedevil the miners and the troops that protect them and, as the indigenous population battling imperial usurpers, are the faction you should root for.

From Los Angeles Times

Since taking office, he’s grappled with many of the same problems that bedeviled prior sheriffs: poor jail conditions, sprawling consent decrees, allegations about deputy gangs and persistent staffing woes.

From Los Angeles Times

“Most of those, if they voted, would add millions to Kamala Harris. This Electoral College problem is one that bedevils us in the 21st Century as it never has before,” O’Donnell said.

From Salon

Not surprisingly, their questions were the same ones bedeviling the rest of us.

From Salon

The question of how to act as the conscience of the state without contradicting the spirit of inclusion or wading too deeply into partisan politics still bedevils liberal pastors defying the influence of right-wing Christianity.

From Salon

Related Words

• annoy
• beset
• bother
• harass
• irritate
• torment