devised

American  

[dih-vahyzd] / dɪˈvaɪzd /

adjective

1. contrived, planned, invented, or designed.

   It’s a dark comedy about a couple of guys who embark on a poorly devised scheme to blackmail a local clergyman.

2. Theater. (of a play) having a script produced collaboratively by the performers rather than by a writer or playwright.

   Previous works of the Holwell Youth Troupe include a chilling ghost story and a devised piece on the topic of love.

3. Law. (of property) assigned or transmitted by will.

   When specifically devised property is no longer in the testator's estate, the beneficiary's gift fails.

---

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of devise.

Other Word Forms

• self-devised
  adjective
• undevised
  adjective
• well-devised
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of devised

devise ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Refuge sites located out of “waves’ reach” were identified and validated by local authorities, and evacuation routes were devised using algorithms to find the fastest routes.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

Senior officers devised a sterile buffer zone between Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and Parliament Square.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

By the way, we should give a shout-out to the law professors who devised and promoted shield laws—David Cohen, Rachel Rebouché, and Greer Donley.

From Slate • May 15, 2026

The diner offers certificates of completion for those who finish the trek, and devised a burger named for the route.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

My mother and Mrs. Bircz had devised a strategy they hoped would protect us.

From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson