hellbent
Americanadjective
-
stubbornly or recklessly determined.
-
going at terrific speed.
adverb
adjective
Etymology
Origin of hellbent
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But a narrative throughline hellbent on retribution neatly threads Harris’ fiery aesthetic choices together, giving “Is God Is” far more substance — and much more thematic intrigue — than its contemporaries.
From Salon • May 19, 2026
The farmer said he was "hellbent" on keeping the horses there as it was a "family tradition".
From BBC • Oct. 28, 2025
Newsom, who is considering a 2028 presidential run, this year was hellbent on proving that he’s the kind of Democrat who can be part of the solution and push through the government and political logjams.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2025
Equally preposterous is Collette’s Ylfa, who is hellbent on perfecting sauces and dressings, which she sees as the highest sensory experience one can have.
From Salon • Mar. 7, 2025
Will wanted nothing so much as to ride hellbent for the safety of the Wall, but that was not a feeling to share with your commander.
From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
