hellbent

[ hel-bent ]

adjective

1. stubbornly or recklessly determined.
2. going at terrific speed.

adverb

1. in a hellbent manner; with reckless determination; at full speed.

hellbent

/ ˌhɛlˈbɛnt /

adjective

1. informal.
   postpositiveand foll byon strongly or rashly intent

Word History and Origins

Origin of hellbent¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; hell + bent ¹

Example Sentences

I don’t think she’s perfect and I wouldn’t have picked her over other progressives, but bodily autonomy is incredibly important to me, and even though the Dems toe the line of the status quo in a way that doesn’t excite or impress, they seem to be way less hellbent on controlling individual people’s biologies and health choices.

From Slate

It is clear in just these few moments that, for the first time in many years, this is a world free from the threat of a volatile and selfish witch hellbent on taking from it what she wants.

From Salon

“The justices are hellbent on cementing their legacies,” Aron said.

From Salon

As he stands on the edges of the first days of his new career, one he’s hellbent on conquering, he’s moving with as clear of a mind as possible.

From Los Angeles Times

For the right, it came to represent an educational doctrine hellbent on fortifying racial resentment, and conservative officials felt the need to take action against it.

From Salon