fiendlike

fiendlike

A child's fiendlike mask hangs on the wall after Halloween.

Definition

Adjective: - Resembling a fiend: "fiendlike" describes something that is characteristic of or similar to a fiend, which is an evil spirit, demon, or a very wicked person. It implies extreme cruelty, malice, or inhumanity.

Usage Examples
  • (The grin was reminiscent of a demon's evil expression.)
  • (Her actions were extremely cruel and malicious, like a fiend.)
  • (The storm's destructive power was comparable to a fiend's malevolence.)
Advanced Usage
  • "fiendlike nature": the inherent quality of being fiendish or demonic.

    • The dictator's fiendlike nature was revealed through his brutal policies. (His character was fundamentally evil and inhuman.)
  • "fiendlike laughter": laughter that sounds cruel, sinister, or maniacal.

    • The mad scientist's fiendlike laughter echoed through the laboratory. (The laughter was eerie and malicious, like that of a fiend.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Fiend (n): an evil spirit or demon; a very wicked or cruel person.

    • The story featured a fiend that haunted the old castle. (An evil supernatural being.)
  • Fiendish (adj): extremely cruel or wicked; devilish.

    • The puzzle was fiendishly difficult. (It was extremely challenging, as if designed by a fiend.)
  • Fiendishly (adv): in a fiendish manner; extremely or outrageously.

    • He grinned fiendishly at his defeated opponent. (He smiled with cruel delight.)
Synonyms
  • Demonic: of, resembling, or characteristic of a demon.
  • Devilish: like or appropriate to a devil; very wicked.
  • Satanic: relating to or characteristic of Satan; extremely evil.
  • Infernal: of or relating to hell; diabolical.
Related Idioms
  • A fiend in human form: a person who behaves with extreme cruelty, as if they were a demon.

    • The serial killer was described as a fiend in human form. (He was inhumanely wicked.)
  • Fiend of a temper: a very violent or uncontrollable temper.

    • He has a fiend of a temper when provoked. (His anger is fierce and demonic.)