What does bedevil mean?
Bedevil is a verb meaning to torment, harass, or plague someone or something in a persistent, troublesome way. When difficulties bedevil a person, organization, or undertaking, they keep recurring despite attempts to resolve them — a country may be bedevilled by inflation, or a writer by self-doubt. A secondary sense means to confuse or throw into disorder. The word carries a vivid, slightly dramatic connotation: it evokes demons nipping at one's heels, which is fitting given its origin as a combination of the prefix 'be-' and 'devil', literally suggesting possession by devils. Bedevil appears frequently in journalism and formal writing, especially about chronic political, economic, or social problems, and is most naturally used in the passive construction 'bedevilled by'. Its British spelling doubles the final consonant; American usage often keeps a single 'l'. It is a strong alternative to blander words like 'trouble' or 'bother' when you want to emphasize relentless, nagging adversity.
To torment, harass, or plague persistently; to cause continual trouble.
"Bureaucratic red tape has bedevilled small businesses for years."
Often used in the passive: 'bedevilled by'.
To throw into confusion or disorder.
"Conflicting reports bedevilled the investigation from the start."
Bedevil literally means to 'throw a devil into' something — the word treats persistent problems as if they were demons possessing your plans.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bedevil
Bedevil was formed in English in the late 17th century from the prefix 'be-' plus 'devil', with the literal sense of possessing or afflicting with devils. It belongs to a productive family of 'be-' verbs of affliction such as beset and besiege. Its cognates are simply other derivatives of 'devil' itself, which comes through Old English dēofol from Greek diabolos, meaning 'slanderer'.
Related word forms
How bedevil is actually used
Bedevil is typically used in formal or journalistic registers and is most often found in the passive voice ('bedevilled by'). The spelling doubles the 'l' before -ed and -ing in British English (bedevilled, bedevilling); American English commonly uses single-l forms (bedeviled, bedeviling), though doubled forms also occur.
Easily confused with bedevil
Devil is a noun meaning an evil spirit or wicked person, while bedevil is a verb meaning to torment or plague persistently.