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Synonyms

infernal machine

American  

noun

  1. a concealed or disguised explosive device intended to destroy life or property.


infernal machine British  

noun

  1. archaic a usually disguised explosive device or booby trap

"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

Etymology

Origin of infernal machine

First recorded in 1800–10

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.

See Examples For:

While Marvel can seem “like this infernal machine that grinds on,” Bettany says, the projects are, in his experience, “incredibly collaborative.”

From Washington Post ● Apr. 26, 2023

The brilliant “elephant,” lumbering and impressive like its African namesake, is an infernal machine.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 22, 2022

The only way to escape is to run faster than the infernal machine forces those stuck on it — but most Americans lack the strength and endurance to do so.

From Salon ● Nov. 15, 2021

It’s also been called the Rube Goldberg effect –– where you see the world as an infernal machine.

From New York Times ● Nov. 10, 2011

“What is wrong with this infernal machine? And now another interruption! Where is that voice coming from?”

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart

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