bedevil

verb

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

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.
Auto loan delinquencies are at a record high Credit cards aren’t the only category of debt bedeviling American consumers. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 12 June 2026 Growing tent encampments have bedeviled urban leaders for years. CBS News, 9 June 2026 Oddly enough, Lewis — bedeviled by a series of injuries that included two season-ending knee surgeries since even before his MLB clock started ticking — has been healthy and unproductive. John Shipley, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026 Instead, the city’s escalating campaign of stops and arrests triggered the cascade of cynicism and distrust that continues to bedevil New Yorkers’ connection to their government. Elizabeth Glazer, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Bedevil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bedevil. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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

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