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

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

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

From BBC

Now, for the first time, this prescient filmmaker visits America’s distant past, subtly pinpointing the economic inequalities, senseless brutality and thwarted masculinity that will bedevil the nation for the next 160 years.

From Los Angeles Times

The em dash is already quite accustomed to controversy, with a long history of charming and bedeviling authors, journalists and academics.

From Salon

Related Words

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