devil-like

A devil-like creature lurks in the shadowy forest.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Resembling or characteristic of a devil: "devil-like" describes someone or something that exhibits qualities traditionally associated with a devil, such as extreme cruelty, wickedness, or malevolence.
   • Diabolical or fiendish: It can also refer to behavior or appearance that is sinister, malicious, or demonic in nature.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The dictator's devil-like cruelty shocked the world. (His cruelty resembled that of a devil.)
  • Her devil-like grin made everyone uneasy. (Her smile was sinister and malicious.)
  • The storm had a devil-like intensity, destroying everything in its path. (The storm was fiercely destructive, like a devil.)

Advanced Usage

• "devil-like cunning": extreme cleverness used for evil purposes.

  • The villain's devil-like cunning allowed him to escape every trap. (His cunning was as wicked as a devil's.)

• "devil-like appearance": a physical look that is frightening or demonic.

  • The actor's makeup gave him a devil-like appearance with red skin and horns. (He looked like a devil.)

Variants and Related Words

• Devilish (adj): resembling or characteristic of a devil, often used in a slightly less intense or more playful sense.

  • The child had a devilish sense of humor. (Playfully mischievous, not truly evil.)

• Devilry (n): wicked or cruel behavior.

  • The story was full of dark magic and devilry. (Acts of evil or devil-like mischief.)

• Devilment (n): mischievous or wicked behavior.

  • His eyes sparkled with devilment. (A playful, slightly naughty spirit.)

Synonyms

• Diabolical: of or like a devil; extremely evil or cruel.
• Fiendish: extremely cruel or unpleasant; devilish.
• Demonic: relating to or suggestive of a demon; evil.
• Satanic: relating to Satan; extremely evil.

Related Idioms

• "A devil of a time": a very difficult or unpleasant experience.

  • We had a devil of a time finding the right address. (We had a very hard time.)

• "Speak of the devil": said when someone who has just been mentioned appears unexpectedly.

  • Speak of the devil — here comes John now! (John arrived just after we mentioned him.)

Phrasal Verbs (None directly related to "devil-like")

• No common phrasal verbs use "devil-like" as a component. However, the verb "to devil" exists (archaic): to cook with spicy seasoning, or to annoy or harass. This is not related to the adjective "devil-like."