bedevil

verb

be·dev·il | \ bi-ˈde-vəl

, bē-\

bedeviled; bedeviling; bedevils

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

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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

Yet those salvific moves haven’t eased the ethnic tension, economic challenges, and institutional corruption that has bedeviled the nation. — Abdi Latif Dahir, Quartz Africa, "Ethiopia’s coup attempt spells disaster for its democratic transition," 24 June 2019 The president’s view has bedeviled House Democrats for weeks, as his aides have systematically tried to cut off potential witnesses and contain evidence that Democrats have requested. — Nicholas Fandos, BostonGlobe.com, "Hope Hicks declines to answer lawmakers’ questions on transition, White House," 19 June 2019 The president’s view has bedeviled House Democrats for weeks, as his aides have systematically tried to cut off potential witnesses and contain evidence that Democrats have requested. — Nicholas Fandos, New York Times, "Hope Hicks Declines to Answer Lawmakers’ Questions on Transition and White House," 19 June 2019 This is a question that has bedeviled a lot of candidates. — Tal Kopan, SFChronicle.com, "Kamala Harris would lean on presidential power, not Congress, for big plans," 15 June 2019 Not only did the three playoff contestants miss key putts on 18th green in regulation, but the final hole bedeviled Duffy Waldorf as well. — James Owczarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Jerry Kelly bests Steve Stricker, Retief Goosen in playoff to win AmFam Championship," 23 June 2019 The is not the first hiccup to have bedeviled the new 007 adventure. — Clark Collis, EW.com, "Explosion on Bond 25 set injures crew member," 4 June 2019 That astronomical riddle went on to bedevil astronomers for nearly two decades. — Quanta Magazine, "Missing Galaxies? Now There’s Too Many," 9 Jan. 2019 This is another buttress to social Darwinism, eugenics, and other theories that bedeviled civilization well into the twentieth century. — Marilynne Robinson, Harper's magazine, "Is Poverty Necessary?," 10 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bedevil.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.