deviltry
/'devlri/ Cách viết khác : (deviltry) /'devltri/
Definition
- Noun:
- Reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others: "Deviltry" refers to actions that are mischievous, reckless, or deliberately harmful, often causing trouble or irritation.
- Wicked and cruel behavior: It can also denote behavior that is evil, cruel, or fiendishly wicked in nature.
Usage
- "Deviltry" is a formal and somewhat literary noun, often used to describe behavior that is not just naughty but has a malicious, evil, or dangerously reckless quality. It is typically used in contexts involving trickery, cruelty, or extreme mischief.
Examples
- The constant pranks and vandalism were seen as more than just mischief; they were acts of pure deviltry.
- The legend spoke of a sorcerer whose deviltry terrorized the village for generations.
- He was accused of financial deviltry for his role in the elaborate scam.
Advanced Usage
- "Sheer deviltry": Used to emphasize the purely wicked or malicious nature of an act.
- Breaking the antique vase seemed an act of sheer deviltry.
- Often appears in historical, gothic, or fantastical contexts describing supernatural evil or human cruelty.
Variants and Related Words
- Devilry (noun): An alternative spelling with the same meaning.
- Devilish (adj): Having the qualities of a devil; wicked or mischievous.
- He had a devilish grin.
- Devilment (noun): Mischievous conduct; playful malice.
- The children were full of devilment.
Synonyms
- Mischief: Playful misbehavior or troublemaking.
- Wickedness: The quality of being evil or morally wrong.
- Roguery: Dishonest or unprincipled behavior; playful mischief.
- Maleficence: The act of committing harm or evil.
- Diablerie (noun): Sorcery or devilry; reckless mischief.
Antonyms
- Benevolence: The quality of being well-meaning; kindness.
- Virtue: Behavior showing high moral standards.
- Obedience: Compliance with rules or commands.
Idioms and Phrases
- "Up to deviltry": Engaged in wicked or mischievous acts.
- When the house is quiet, you can be sure the children are up to some deviltry.
- "The deviltry of it": Used to comment on the wicked or astonishing nature of something.
- The deviltry of it was that he escaped without a trace.
Noun
-
reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others
-
wicked and cruel behavior
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