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 client wanted an heirloom for each of her two daughters but also a table large enough for hosting, a challenge that bedevilled and delighted Method Studio at every stage. Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024 Although Moscow has also been dealing with desertions, Ukrainians going AWOL have laid bare deeply rooted problems bedeviling their military and how Kyiv is managing the war, from the flawed mobilization drive to the overstretching and hollowing out of front-line units. Samya Kullab and Volodymyr Yurchuk, Los Angeles Times, 29 Nov. 2024 The lack of affordable, quality child care has bedeviled parents and employers across the country for several years, even becoming a talking point in this year’s presidential election. Maya Eaglin, NBC News, 26 Nov. 2024 Spikes in migrants journeying to the U.S. border have bedeviled Republican and Democratic presidents alike. Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near bedevil

Cite this Entry

“Bedevil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bedevil. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

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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