bedevil

Bedevil is a transitive verb meaning to torment or harass persistently, or to cause ongoing trouble, confusion, or obstruction. It is commonly used to describe difficulties or annoyances that recur rather than a single act. The form bedeviled is used for the past tense and past participle, and bedeviling for the present participle.

Origin and etymology: The word comes from be- meaning “thoroughly” combined with devil, reflecting a sense of fiendish trouble. It is attested in English from the early modern period and has remained a standard, traditionally strong verb in both British and American usage.

Usage notes: Bedevil denotes persistent or fiendish difficulties and is typically negative in tone. It can apply to people, processes, systems, or conditions, and is common in writing that aims to emphasize stubborn impediments or vexing challenges. While powerful, it is a figurative usage and not a literal claim of demonic influence.

Examples: The project's supply issues bedeviled the team for months. Bureaucratic red tape bedeviled the rollout, delaying the program. The mystery novel features a sleuth bedeviled by a series of puzzling clues.

See also: bedevilment; harass; vex; bedeviled; bedeviling.