bedevil

/bi'devl/

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Explanation of the Word "Bedevil"

Definition: The verb "bedevil" means to confuse, perplex, or trouble someone. When something bedevils you, it makes it hard for you to think clearly or understand what's going on. It can also mean to cause someone distress or to treat them badly.

Usage Instructions:

• "Bedevil" is used as a verb and is often followed by a subject or a situation that is causing confusion or trouble.
• It can be used in both serious contexts (like problems or challenges) and less serious ones (like tricky questions).

Examples:

1. Confusing Situation:

   • "The complex math problem bedeviled the students during the exam."
   • (Here, the math problem confused the students.)

2. Emotional Distress:

   • "His constant worries about the future bedeviled him for years."
   • (In this case, his worries troubled him emotionally.)

Advanced Usage:

• "Bedevil" can be used in more formal writing or discussions, especially when describing complex issues in academic, technical, or serious personal contexts.
• You might see it in literature or discussions about challenging topics.

Word Variants:

• Bedeviling (adjective): Describes something that causes confusion or trouble.

  • Example: "The bedeviling questions in the quiz made it hard to finish on time."

• Bedeviled (past participle): Indicates something that has caused confusion or trouble in the past.

  • Example: "The project was bedeviled by numerous unexpected problems."

Different Meanings:

• Bedevil can also imply a sense of torment or harassment, especially if someone is persistently troubled.
  • Example: "He felt bedeviled by his critics who never stopped complaining about his work."

Synonyms:

• Confound
• Bewilder
• Perplex
• Torment (when used in the sense of causing distress)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "bedevil" does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs, you might encounter phrases that convey similar meanings: - "Throw for a loop": To confuse someone completely. - Example: "The unexpected news threw me for a loop."

Summary:

"Bedevil" is a versatile verb used to describe confusion or trouble. Whether in academic settings, personal challenges, or emotional struggles, it effectively communicates the feeling of being perplexed or troubled.

Academic

Verb

1. be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly
   • These questions confuse even the experts
   • This question completely threw me
   • This question befuddled even the teacher
2. treat cruelly
   • The children tormented the stuttering teacher

Synonyms

• confuse
• throw
• fox
• befuddle
• fuddle
• confound
• discombobulate
• torment
• rag
• crucify
• dun
• frustrate