bedevil

verb

be·​dev·​il bi-ˈde-vəl How to pronounce bedevil (audio)
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 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.
One of the things that bedeviled American politics this century is our close elections, which has made our parties and their leaders miserly with their political capital. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025 However, military analysts say the language barrier has bedeviled combat coordination between Russian and North Korean troops. Samya Kullab and Tara Copp, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024 Sheriffs and other local officials in New Jersey demanded more action from the federal government Saturday in getting to the bottom of a spate of drone sightings that has bedeviled authorities and sparked alarm among residents. Victoria Arancio, ABC News, 14 Dec. 2024 But Congress, ultimately, controls the purse, a fact that has bedeviled Presidents of both parties. Philip Elliott, TIME, 12 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near bedevil

Cite this Entry

“Bedevil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bedevil. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on bedevil

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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