mephistopheles
/,mefis'tɔfili:z/
Definition
- Proper noun:
- An evil spirit or demon: In German folklore and literature, particularly in the Faust legend, Mephistopheles is the devil or a demonic figure to whom the scholar Faust sells his soul in exchange for knowledge and worldly pleasures.
- A personification of evil or cynicism: By extension, the name is used to represent a fiendish, cynical, or malevolent person or force.
Usage Examples
- Proper noun:
- In Goethe's play, Faust makes a pact with Mephistopheles.
- The character of Mephistopheles represents the tempting and destructive aspects of nihilism.
Advanced Usage
- "a Mephistophelean bargain": A deal or pact with the devil, implying a transaction where one gains immediate benefits at the ultimate cost of one's soul or moral integrity.
- The corrupt official felt he had made a Mephistophelean bargain for his wealth.
Variants and Related Words
- Mephistophelean (adjective): Having the qualities of Mephistopheles; fiendish, sardonic, or cynically clever.
- He gave a Mephistophelean smile before revealing his plan.
Synonyms
- The Devil
- Satan
- Lucifer
- Fiend
Related Idioms
- "To sell one's soul to Mephistopheles": To compromise one's principles or ethics for personal gain, power, or knowledge.
- In his ruthless pursuit of fame, the artist felt he had sold his soul to Mephistopheles.
Noun
-
evil spirit to whom Faust sold his soul
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