diabolize

[ dahy-ab-uh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, di·ab·o·lized, di·ab·o·liz·ing.

1. to make diabolic or devilish.
2. to represent as diabolic.
3. to subject to diabolic influences.

diabolize

/ daɪˈæbəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. 1. to make (someone or something) diabolical
   2. to subject to the influence of devils
2. to portray as diabolical

Other Words From

• di·abo·li·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of diabolize¹

1695–1705; < Greek diábol ( os ) devil + -ize

Example Sentences

In a searching and prescient passage, he suggests that at the heart of the rebellion and the violence it provoked was a whole history of diabolized “blackness.”

From The New Yorker

There were demons only, more exactly there were diabolized expressions invented to denominate natural phenomena and whatever else perturbed.

From Project Gutenberg

The Greek deified nature, not being able to diabolize it; still he knew that it must be ruled and transmuted by mind.

From Project Gutenberg

November 17.—A story of the effects of revenge in diabolizing him who indulges in it.

From Project Gutenberg

Of course the conspiring farmers are idealized and their enemies are diabolized; but all this is so in the saga.

From Project Gutenberg