devilish

[dev-uh-lish, dev-lish]

adjective

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

   Synonyms: excessive, infernal, demoniac, satanic

2. extreme; very great.

   a devilish mess.

adverb

1. excessively; extremely.

   He's devilish proud.

devilish

/ ˈdɛvlɪʃ, ˈdɛvəlɪʃ /

adjective

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

adverb

1. (intensifier)

   devilish good food

   this devilish heat

Other Word Forms

• devilishly adverb
• devilishness noun
• superdevilish adjective
• superdevilishly adverb
• superdevilishness noun
• undevilish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of devilish¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; devil, -ish ¹

Example Sentences

And when Martin Scorsese shows up as a devilish corporate executive, Redford finally feels like he has earned that cameo — a place among that pantheon of storytellers.

From Los Angeles Times

The devilish details make plain that it’s nothing of the kind, since what’s granted to seniors in the next year or two may have to be recovered later.

From Los Angeles Times

He said he found Mr Combs there in a towel, slouched on a chair with a "devilish" look on his face, and a broken vase on the floor.

From BBC

Carter and his often underpaid staff came up with devilish nicknames for their primary targets.

From Los Angeles Times

He teased, cajoled and vexed his listeners, daring them to explore the "devilish" contours of his mind, as he sang rash rhymes about parties, drugs and "seducing" women.

From BBC

Related Words

• demonic 
• diabolical