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.
Who knows; Trump’s expansive use of tariffs and belligerent treatment of American allies overseas may yet reopen fissures with elements of the center-right that bedeviled the president in his first term and helped sink his 2020 reelection bid. David M. Drucker, Twin Cities, 26 Mar. 2025 The Arizona Board of Regents retained William Morris Endeavor (WME) as a consultant to help tackle the post-COVID financial challenges that have bedeviled the main campuses and athletic departments of Arizona and Arizona State, the state’s two largest public universities. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 13 Mar. 2025 But this returns us to the paradox that has bedevilled the Biden Administration in its hopes for a Saudi deal. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024 The Arizona Board of Regents retained William Morris Endeavor (WME) as a consultant to help tackle the post-COVID financial challenges that have bedeviled the main campuses and athletic departments of Arizona and Arizona State, the state’s two largest public universities. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 13 Mar. 2025 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 22 Apr. 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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