Definition

Verb: 1. To make devilish; to corrupt or pervert morally: The act of causing someone or something to become evil, wicked, or devil-like in character. 2. To portray or represent as a devil: To depict or characterize someone or something as being demonic or utterly evil.

Usage and Examples

• The propaganda sought to devilise the opposing faction, painting them as monsters to justify the conflict.
• Some argue that extreme poverty can devilise a person, forcing them into desperate and immoral acts.
• The novel does not simply devilise the antagonist; it explores the tragic circumstances that shaped him.

Advanced Usage Notes

• devilise is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (e.g., to devilise or ).
• It is a less common variant of the more frequently used verb demonize. The choice between "devilise" and "demonize" is often stylistic, with "demonize" being the standard term in modern usage.
• The process or result of being devilised can be described as devilisation (noun).

Variants and Related Words

• Demonize (verb): The more common synonym meaning to portray as evil or demonic.
• Vilify (verb): To speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner; to defame.
• Corrupt (verb): To cause to act dishonestly or immorally; to debase.
• Dehumanize (verb): To deprive of positive human qualities, often a step in the process of devilising an enemy.

Synonyms

Demonize, vilify, malign, corrupt, pervert.

Antonyms

Sanctify, glorify, idealize, humanize, ennoble.

Verb

1. turn into a devil or make devilish
   • Man devilized by war