diabolic

Diabolic is an adjective used to describe something that relates to the devil, or that is extremely wicked or cunning in a way associated with fiendish malice. The term can refer to actions, plans, or persons that are perceived as devilish or fiendish in nature, often implying particularly cruel or elaborate malice. In religious contexts it connotes a direct link to the devil; in secular usage it frequently emphasizes extraordinary ugliness or ingenuity of malevolence rather than possession or occult influence.

Origin and evolution: The word derives from Late Latin diabolicus, from Greek diabolikos, from diabolos meaning devil and, by extension, “slanderer” or “accuser.” It entered English in the early modern period. The form diabolic is less common today than diabolical, and when used it can carry a somewhat arch or emphatic tone compared with the more neutral or idiomatic diabolical.

Usage: Diabolic is often used to describe fictional or exaggerated evil schemes, such as stories featuring diabolic plots or a diabolic mastermind. In everyday language it can function hyperbolically as a synonym for extremely evil or clever in a negative sense, though many speakers prefer diabolical for standard usage.

See also: Diabolical, demonic, satanic. Related terms include various intensifiers of evil or clever wrongdoing, with diabolical remaining the more common modern form in many contexts.