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Synonyms for devil


Grammar : Noun
Spell : dev-uh l
Phonetic Transcription : ˈdɛv əl

Top 10 synonyms for devil Other synonyms for the word devil

Définition of devil

Origin :
  • Old English deofol "evil spirit, a devil, the devil, false god, diabolical person," from Late Latin diabolus (also the source of Italian diavolo, French diable, Spanish diablo; German Teufel is Old High German tiufal, from Latin via Gothic diabaulus).
  • The Late Latin word is from Ecclesiastical Greek diabolos, in Jewish and Christian use, "Devil, Satan" (scriptural loan-translation of Hebrew satan), in general use "accuser, slanderer," from diaballein "to slander, attack," literally "throw across," from dia- "across, through" + ballein "to throw" (see ballistics). Jerome re-introduced Satan in Latin bibles, and English translators have used both in different measures.
  • In Vulgate, as in Greek, diabolus and dæmon (see demon) were distinct, but they have merged in English and other Germanic languages.
  • Playful use for "clever rogue" is from c.1600. Meaning "sand spout, dust storm" is from 1835. In U.S. place names, the word often represents a native word such as Algonquian manito, more properly "spirit, god." Phrase a devil way (late 13c.) was originally an emphatic form of away, but taken by late 14c. as an expression of irritation.
  • Devil's books "playing cards" is from 1729, but the cited quote says they've been called that "time out of mind" (the four of clubs is the devil's bedposts); devil's coach-horse is from 1840, the large rove-beetle, which is defiant when disturbed. "Talk of the Devil, and he's presently at your elbow" [1660s].
  • noun demon
Example sentences :
  • And you forget that—that devil—suppose she's as good as her threat?
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • And, the devil of it, that love increasing with her—what shall I call it?
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • I can look any man in the face and tell him to go to the devil.
  • Extract from : « Ballads of a Bohemian » by Robert W. Service
  • It's a pity it wasn't the devil himself instead of his fish!
  • Extract from : « Weighed and Wanting » by George MacDonald
  • The mitigation of that horror they condemn, resent, and often ascribe to the devil.
  • Extract from : « The Conquest of Fear » by Basil King
  • How the devil would have laughed at the idea of a society for saving the world!
  • Extract from : « Weighed and Wanting » by George MacDonald
  • The devil saw his chance, sprang up, and mastered the father.
  • Extract from : « Weighed and Wanting » by George MacDonald
  • "To the devil with your tricks," said John, opening and shutting his great red hands.
  • Extract from : « The White Company » by Arthur Conan Doyle
  • "I would see him in the claws of the devil first," whispered Ford.
  • Extract from : « The White Company » by Arthur Conan Doyle
  • Something in her eyes roused the devil of mischief that always slumbered in him.
  • Extract from : « K » by Mary Roberts Rinehart

Antonyms for devil

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019