diabolic

[ dahy-uh-bol-ik ]

adjective

1. variant of diabolical ( def ).

diabolic

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˌdiaˈbolicalness, noun
• ˌdiaˈbolically, adverb

Other Words From

• non·di·a·bol·ic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diabolic¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of diabolic¹

C14: from Late Latin diabolicus, from Greek diabolikos, from diabolos devil

Example Sentences

These magic roots have the likeness of a little man, hideously ugly and misshapen in a weird and diabolic fashion.

From Project Gutenberg

I have a 337 great talent for compliment, accompanied by a hateful, even a diabolic frankness.

From Project Gutenberg

He crouched like a beast, ferine—all the obscure and diabolic passion of him ready to spring.

From Project Gutenberg

Why do we admire intellect when it is united with even diabolic disregard of moral laws?

From Project Gutenberg

And here M. Gabet said that, allowing for some jugglery, it was impossible not to conclude that there was diabolic agency at work.

From Project Gutenberg