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

What each of us sees when we look at him — a dangerous whipsaw of insane rhetoric and diabolic intent or a canny businessman who just wants what’s best for Americans — increasingly defines us.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you,” Butker said.

From Seattle Times

He deployed a similar move when, immediately upon being sworn in, he issued an executive order banning instruction in those diabolic “divisive” concepts.

From Washington Post

"The dictatorship has once again surpassed its own evil and diabolic spirit."

From Reuters

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