hell-bent

adjective

ˈhel-ˌbent 

: stubbornly and often recklessly determined or intent

hell-bent on winning

hell-bent adverb

Synonyms

• bent (on or upon)
• bound
• decisive
• determined
• do-or-die
• firm
• intent
• out
• purposeful
• resolute
• resolved
• set
• single-minded

Examples of hell-bent in a Sentence

she's hell-bent on a career in show business and heaven help anyone who gets in her way

Recent Examples on the Web

That is pure weaponization of the federal government, done on behalf of a president who is hell-bent on taking that concept to its natural conclusion. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025

In Heart Eyes, a masked murderer is hell-bent on stalking and killing couples on the lovey-dovey holiday, but for some reason a pair of platonic co-workers (Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding) are in the murderer’s crosshairs. —Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025

The seemingly simple mission turns deadly when the leader of a notorious crime syndicate becomes hell-bent on claiming the organ. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2025

Critics hell-bent on passing off Ike's concerns as endangering our national defense would have seen their remarks fall on deaf ears. —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hell-bent

adjective

-ˌbent

: stubbornly and often recklessly determined

hell-bent on revenge