bedevil

verb

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

Synonyms of bedevil

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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
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.
Growing tent encampments have bedeviled urban leaders for years. — CBS News, 9 June 2026 Algae blooms have long bedeviled the DC landmark, though the one that broke out in the wake of the renovations appears to have reduced. — James Powel, USA Today, 28 June 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 Even so, a violent curse bedevils them, a sophisticated feat of careful writing and directorial sensitivity that sets Chiarella apart from the gorehounds. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 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

Rhymes for bedevil

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Browse Nearby Words

bedesman
bedevil
bedeviling
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bedevil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bedevil. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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
-mənt How to pronounce bedevil (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on bedevil

Nglish: Translation of bedevil for Spanish Speakers

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