devilment

[ dev-uhl-muhnt ]

noun

1. devilish action or conduct; deviltry.

devilment

/ ˈdɛvəlmənt /

noun

1. devilish or mischievous conduct

Word History and Origins

Origin of devilment¹

First recorded in 1765–75; devil + -ment

Example Sentences

She is all mischief and devilment, huggably wise, possessed of an agile mind and a sweet nature as a mystery writer/amateur detective who is always one amiable step ahead of the police.

From Los Angeles Times

Schools needed them in September, when the monthly TikTok challenge was to trash school bathrooms — and post videos of the devilment online.

From Washington Times

They just lack devilment in the final third and I don’t really know where it’ll come from today.

From The Guardian

But that was as menacing as United got in early stages during which Villa upset them with a welcome show of devilment, as well as clever probing by Douglas Luiz, in particular.

From The Guardian

"My guess is that he and my son Bruno are up to some devilment," Mr Jenkins went on.

From Literature

Related Words

• catastrophe
• evil
• misconduct
• playfulness
• prank
• sabotage
• vandalism
• wrongdoing

Quiz

Q: Fill in the blank: "Salchipapas" is a portmanteau of the Spanish words for ______ and ______.

• salt and potatoes
• sausage and French fries
• sardines and French fries

Take the full quiz.Go to all quizzes