devilish

[ dev-uh-lish, dev-lish ]

adjective

1. of, like, or befitting a devil; diabolical; fiendish.

   Synonyms: excessive, infernal, demoniac, satanic

2. extreme; very great:

   a devilish mess.

adverb

1. excessively; extremely:

   He's devilish proud.

devilish

/ ˈdɛvlɪʃ; ˈdɛvəlɪʃ /

adjective

1. of, resembling, or befitting a devil; diabolic; fiendish

adverb

1. (intensifier)

   this devilish heat

   devilish good food

Derived Forms

• ˈdevilishly, adverb
• ˈdevilishness, noun

Other Words From

• devil·ish·ly adverb
• devil·ish·ness noun
• super·devil·ish adjective
• super·devil·ish·ly adverb
• super·devil·ish·ness noun
• un·devil·ish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of devilish¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; devil, -ish ¹

Example Sentences

And so, on the night that the aerial spraying began came what was, for my money, one of the greatest political PR moments in the history of that devilish art.

From Los Angeles Times

Mikey Lewis comes into Saturday's final for Hull KR as the 2024 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel, following a season of terrorising defences and wowing crowds with his devilish steps, array of tricks and mesmerising footwork.

From BBC

But despite the length, much of the devilish detail is yet to be decided.

From BBC

“People come here for a quiet, tranquil, community-spirted life and that’s being damaged badly by one or two devilish people,” he said.

From BBC

The legend of the Postage Stamp reached a new level on Tuesday when Bryson DeChambeau, the US Open champion, spoke about the devilish little par-three eighth at Royal Troon.

From BBC

Related Words

• demonic
• diabolical