bedevil

1 of 2

verb

be·​dev·​il bi-ˈde-vəl 

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

bi-ˈde-vəl-mənt 

bē-

noun

bedevilment

2 of 2

noun

be·​dev·​il·​ment bi-ˈde-vəl-mənt 

bē-

plural -s

1

: a situation or condition that bedevils : confusion, disorder, vexation, trouble

2

: possession by a devil

mad conduct and other signs of bedevilment

Synonyms of bedevil

Verb

• afflict
• plague
• persecute
• besiege
• beset

Examples of bedevil in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

Shares of artificial intelligence chipmakers continued to slide on Friday, resuming the lackluster performance that has bedeviled many of the companies in recent weeks as investors scrutinize the AI industry. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 17 July 2026

The team’s dramas coincided with years of wider chaos in the country, as cycles of hyperinflation and bailouts bedevilled its economy. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 16 July 2026

Moreover, the next stage of negotiations will have to confront more long-standing territorial and political disputes that have bedeviled regional peace. — Anthony Wanis-St John, The Conversation, 10 July 2026

Indeed, Ukrainian strikes on oil infrastructure have created major gas shortages that are bedeviling much of the Russian hinterland. — Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bedevil

• daredevil
• sublevel
• bevel
• devil
• level
• multilevel

Kids Definition

bedevil

verb

be·​dev·​il bi-ˈdev-əl 

: to trouble or annoy again and again : pester, harass

bedeviled by problems

bedevilment

-mənt 

noun