devilish

adjective

dev·​il·​ish ˈde-vᵊl-ish How to pronounce devilish (audio)
ˈdev-lish
1
: resembling or befitting a devil: such as
a
b
: mischievous, roguish
a devilish grin
2
: extreme
in a devilish hurry
devilish adverb
devilishly adverb
devilishness noun

Did you know?

In the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, Satan is usually referred to as diabolos or “slanderer” (from the Greek verb diaballein, “to slander,” literally “to throw across”). But in the Greek New Testament, the Hebrew word, which is Satanas or Satan in its Greek form, is used as if it were the devil’s proper name. The older Latin translations of the Bible retain Greek diabolos as diabolus, but St. Jerome’s version, the Vulgate, calls the devil Satan. Both words were borrowed into Old English, and we now call this figure both Satan and the Devil. The derived form devilish first appears in the 15th century.

Examples of devilish in a Sentence

She was attracted by his devilish charm. There was a devilish look of mischief in her eyes.
Recent Examples on the Web Tucked away in Bethnal Green, this spot is more about charm than alarm, despite the devilish name. Brad Japhe, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 May 2024 What about his penchant for the devilish beat switch? Sam Davies, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for devilish 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'devilish.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English develyssh, from devel devil entry 1 + -yssh -ish

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of devilish was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near devilish

Cite this Entry

“Devilish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devilish. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

devilish

adjective
dev·​il·​ish ˈdev-(ə-)lish How to pronounce devilish (audio)
1
: characteristic of or resembling the devil
devilish tricks
2
: extreme entry 1 sense 1, excessive
in a devilish hurry
devilish adverb
devilishly adverb
devilishness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on devilish

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