Bedevil

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: [bɪˈdɛvəɫ]

Definitions

1. To cause persistent trouble or annoyance to someone or something, or to perplex and confuse greatly
2. to harass persistently or cause continuous trouble for someone through annoying difficulties and confusion
3. to plague someone with relentless problems or bewilderment that frustrates and vexes them

Etymology: Bedevil is a plain compound: the prefix "be-" attached to "devil." Its real interest lies in the devil itself, which took a long, winding route into English. The word came via Ancient Greek "diábolos," meaning "slanderer" or "accuser," built from "diá" (across) and "bállō" (throw), so literally "one who throws across." Latin borrowed it as "diabolus," and it reached Old English as "dēofol," which became Middle English "devel" and then "devil." The prefix "be-" once meant "around" or "about" and was used to make verbs that acted upon something thoroughly or all over. Attached to "devil," it turned the noun into a verb meaning to treat someone as if the devil were tormenting them, to harass or plague. Over time the sense softened into the modern "to plague with problems," so a bedeviled plan is one that keeps going wrong.

Synonyms: torment, harass, vex, pester, trouble

Antonyms: comfort, soothe, relieve, calm