mephistopheles Definition
a demon in German folklore, who makes a pact with Faust.
Using mephistopheles: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mephistopheles" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
In the play 'Faust' by Goethe, Mephistopheles is a key character.
Example
The name Mephistopheles is often used to refer to a devilish or mischievous person.
mephistopheles Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with mephistopheles
make a pact with Mephistopheles
to make a deal with the devil, often at great personal cost
Example
He made a pact with Mephistopheles to gain wealth and power, but it ultimately led to his downfall.
a sly or malicious smile, often associated with evil intentions
Example
He gave her a Mephistophelean smile, hinting at his true motives.
a touch that is cold, clammy, or unpleasant, often associated with supernatural or demonic forces
Example
She felt a Mephistopheles touch on her shoulder and turned around to find no one there.
Origins of mephistopheles
from German 'Mephistopheles', from the Hebrew 'mephitz', meaning 'destroyer', and 'tophel', meaning 'liar'
Summary: mephistopheles in Brief
'Mephistopheles' [mef-uh-stof-uh-leez] is a noun that refers to a demon in German folklore who makes a pact with Faust. The name is often used to refer to a devilish or mischievous person. Phrases like 'make a pact with Mephistopheles' and 'Mephistophelean smile' are associated with deals with the devil and sly or malicious behavior.
