bedevil

verb

be·​dev·​il bi-ˈde-vəl How to pronounce bedevil (audio)
bē-
bedeviled; bedeviling; bedevils

transitive verb

1
: to possess with or as if with a devil
2
: to cause distress : trouble
3
: to change for the worse : spoil
4
: to confuse utterly
bedevilment noun

Examples of bedevil in a Sentence

The theory bedevils scientists, none of whom have been able to prove it true or false. The project has been bedeviled by problems since its inception.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Arizona Board of Regents retained William Morris Endeavor (WME) as a consultant to help tackle the post-COVID financial challenges that have bedeviled the main campuses and athletic departments of Arizona and Arizona State, the state’s two largest public universities. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 13 Mar. 2025 The issue of how aggressively to go after Russian oil and gas bedeviled America and its allies during the Biden administration. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 These factors occur against the backdrop of fitful wage growth and climbing inflation, with everyday prices for housing, energy and groceries bedeviling Americans. Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025 That arrangement was always intended to be temporary, but for nearly two decades, the details of unwinding such massive institutions have bedeviled three presidential administrations. Andrea Riquier, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bedevil

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bedevil was in 1574

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bedevil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bedevil. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

bedevil

verb
be·​dev·​il bi-ˈdev-əl How to pronounce bedevil (audio)
: to trouble or annoy again and again : pester, harass
bedeviled by problems
bedevilment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on bedevil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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