devilish

[ dev-uh-lish, dev-lish ]

/ ˈdɛv ə lɪʃ, ˈdɛv lɪʃ /

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adjective

of, like, or befitting a devil; diabolical; fiendish.

extreme; very great: a devilish mess.

adverb

excessively; extremely: He's devilish proud.

Nearby words

Origin of devilish

1400–50; late Middle English. See devil, -ish¹

SYNONYMS FOR devilish

1. satanic, demoniac, infernal.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR devilish ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

dev·il·ish·ly, adverbdev·il·ish·ness, nounsu·per·dev·il·ish, adjectivesu·per·dev·il·ish·ly, adverb

su·per·dev·il·ish·ness, nounun·dev·il·ish, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for devilish

Use him as the poster child for a nasty, devilish lobbying group being the de facto fourth branch of government.
Where the Hell Is the Surgeon General?|Roland S. Martin|October 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As she disappears down the hill, Grace shoots Mormello a devilish grin: “What does she have?”
Hallucinating Away a Heroin Addiction|Abby Haglage|May 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Depending on whether you use a Greek, Hebrew, or English number scheme, a lot of different names add up to the devilish number.
Run with the Devil Unlike the Girl in Kentucky|Candida Moss|November 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The course teaches that Devilish influence in the world is of two basic types.
The Devil and Antonin Scalia|Candida Moss|October 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST

But unfortunately for us, the devilish Mr. Hyde was in charge in that case.
Dr. Antonin and Mr. Scalia, or, a Justice Divided Against Himself|Dean Obeidallah|July 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The Argives and Mainats, at any rate, had no hand in that devilish work, which must be passed over quickly.
The Vintage|Edward Frederic Benson
Then he laughed wildly, and by some devilish impulse began to abuse Glory.
The Christian|Hall Caine
We can't keep a maid or a plough-boy on the place because of this devilish school.
The Quest of the Silver Fleece|W. E. B. Du Bois
If after the said time your devilish countenance is seen at this place or vicinity your worthless life will pay the forfeit.
A Letter to Hon. Charles Sumner, with 'Statements' of Outrages upon Freedmen in Georgia|Hamilton Wilcox Pierson
A devilish light leapt into his eye, but it faded as quickly as it came.
The Battle Of The Strong, Complete|Gilbert Parker

British Dictionary definitions for devilish

devilish

/ (ˈdɛvəlɪʃ, ˈdɛvlɪʃ) /

adjective

of, resembling, or befitting a devil; diabolic; fiendish

adverb, adjective informal

(intensifier)devilish good food; this devilish heat

Derived Formsdevilishly, adverbdevilishness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for devilish

devilish

adj.

mid-15c.; see devil + -ish. Related: Devilishly; devilishness.

devilish

adjective

adverb

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Nearby words

Origin of devilish

Examples from the Web for devilish

devilish

adjective

adverb, adjective informal

devilish