diabolical

Also di·a·bol·i·c

[dahy-uh-bol-i-kuhl]

adjective

1. having the qualities of a devil; devilish; fiendish; outrageously wicked.

   a diabolical plot.

2. pertaining to or actuated by a devil.

diabolical

/ ˌdaɪəˈbɒlɪkəl /

adjective

1. excruciatingly bad; outrageous

2. (intensifier)

   a diabolical liberty

Other Word Forms

• diabolically adverb
• diabolicalness noun
• hyperdiabolical adjective
• hyperdiabolically adverb
• hyperdiabolicalness noun
• nondiabolical adjective
• nondiabolically adverb
• nondiabolicalness noun
• superdiabolical adjective
• superdiabolically adverb
• superdiabolicalness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of diabolical¹

First recorded in 1500–10; from Late Latin diabolicus ( diabolic ( def. ) ) + -al ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Sentencing the teenager at the High Court in Glasgow, judge Lord Arthurson said he had planned a "quite diabolical atrocity".

From BBC

The student said the incident had had "a diabolical impact" on her.

From BBC

Maverick: After all these years we have finally found a team who where so diabolical at taking penalties that we managed to win one.

From BBC

“You needed her to be diabolical in order to show what really was happening there,” says Davidtz.

From Los Angeles Times

Netflix House at Galleria Dallas will have a game room and immersive experiences based on “Stranger Things” and “Squid Game,” where players will engage in “diabolical games.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cruel 
• fiendish 
• heinous 
• hellish 
• vicious 
• vile 
• wicked