diabolic

[ dahy-uh-bol-ik ]

adjective

1. variant of diabolical ( def ).

diabolic

/ ˌdaɪəˈbɒlɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or proceeding from the devil; satanic
2. befitting a devil; extremely cruel or wicked; fiendish
3. very difficult or unpleasant

Derived Forms

• ˌdiaˈbolicalness, noun
• ˌdiaˈbolically, adverb

Other Words From

• non·di·a·bol·ic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diabolic¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English diabolik, from Middle French or directly from Late Latin diabolicus, from Greek diabolikós, equivalent to diábo(os) devil + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of diabolic¹

C14: from Late Latin diabolicus, from Greek diabolikos, from diabolos devil

Example Sentences

“I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you,” Butker said.

From Seattle Times

He deployed a similar move when, immediately upon being sworn in, he issued an executive order banning instruction in those diabolic “divisive” concepts.

From Washington Post

"The dictatorship has once again surpassed its own evil and diabolic spirit."

From Reuters

Perhaps rattled by the setback, Woods may have made a mental mistake when he chose a 7-iron at the diabolic par-3 12th hole, which was playing into the stiff wind.

From New York Times

"They don't consider the everyday lives of people but put partisan interests before everything and trust in the diabolic and perverse logic of weapons, which is the furthest thing from God's mind."

From Reuters