bedevil

[bih-dev-uhl]

verb (used with object)

bedeviled, bedeviling , bedevilled, bedevilling .

1. to torment or harass maliciously or diabolically, as with doubts, distractions, or worries.

2. to possess, as with a devil; bewitch.

3. to cause confusion or doubt in; muddle; confound.

   an issue bedeviled by prejudices.

4. to beset or hamper continuously.

   a new building bedeviled by elevator failures.

bedevil

/ bɪˈdɛvəl /

verb

1. to harass or torment

2. to throw into confusion

3. to possess, as with a devil

Other Word Forms

• bedevilment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bedevil¹

First recorded in 1760–70; be- + devil

Example Sentences

As suspicions bedevil him—has he been duped into this marriage?

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Buying the stock means believing that Fermi can overcome hurdles that have bedeviled better-established infrastructure companies.

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The musician and former reality TV star, bedeviled by health issues for years, died July 22.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There are several recommendations in the report on financial redress, which it described as having been "bedevilled with unjustifiable delays".

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Sir Wyn says three of the compensation schemes have been "bedevilled with unjustifiable delays" and redress has not been delivered promptly.

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Related Words

• annoy 
• beset 
• bother 
• harass 
• irritate 
• torment