diabolic

American  

[dahy-uh-bol-ik] / ˌdaɪ əˈbɒl ɪk /

adjective

1. variant of diabolical.

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diabolic British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• diabolically adverb
• diabolicalness noun
• nondiabolic adjective

Etymology

Origin of diabolic

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

Example Sentences

The pangrams from yesterday’s Spelling Bee were diabolic and diabolical.

From New York Times

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

The prime minister refused to appear for questioning, calling it “diabolic” to single him out for charges.

From Seattle Times

Messi shares the lower center of gravity, the diabolic dribbling skills and the ability to score eye-popping goals as Argentina’s other great No. 10.

From Washington Times

These gangs, called cults in Nigeria because of their diabolic initiation processes and body scars, seek to control territories and commit crime.

From BBC