bedevil

be·dev·il

verb \bi-ˈde-vəl, bē-\

Definition of BEDEVIL

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 : bewilder

— be·dev·il·ment \-mənt\ noun

Examples of BEDEVIL

1. The theory bedevils scientists, none of whom have been able to prove it true or false.
2. The project has been bedeviled by problems since its inception.

First Known Use of BEDEVIL

1574

Related to BEDEVIL

Synonyms: agonize, anguish, afflict, beset, besiege, curse, excruciate, harrow, persecute, plague, rack, torment, torture

Related Words: assail, attack; badger, dog, hound, pursue, ride; aggravate, agitate, annoy, bother, bug, chafe, distress, disturb, exasperate, gall, get, grate, gripe, hagride, harass, harry, irk, irritate, molest, nettle, peeve, pester, pique, put out, rasp, rile, vex; discomfort, discompose, disquiet, fluster, grieve, perturb, strain, stress, trouble, try, upset, worry; crush, oppress, overpower, overwhelm, smite, strike, tyrannize, victimize; hurt, pain, pang, prick, smart, stab, sting, wring; martyr

Near Antonyms: abet, aid, assist, help; deliver, release, relieve, reprieve; comfort, console, content, quiet, solace, soothe, succor

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Rhymes with BEDEVIL

A level, bi-level, daredevil, dishevel, dust devil, go-devil, high-level, low-level, O level, S level, sea level, split-level