devil

[ˈdevəl]

devil Definition

• 1. (in Christian and Jewish belief) the supreme spirit of evil; Satan
• 2. a wicked or cruel person
• 3. used in exclamations of annoyance, anger, or surprise

Using devil: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "devil" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He was accused of being in league with the devil.

• Example

  She's a real devil when she's angry.

• Example

  Oh, devil! I forgot my keys again.

• Example

  The devil is in the details.

devil Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for devil

• demon
• fiend
• Lucifer
• Beelzebub
• Mephistopheles

Antonyms for devil

• angel
• saint

Idioms Using devil

• between the devil and the deep blue sea

  in a difficult situation where there are two equally unpleasant choices

  Example

  If I tell the truth, I'll get in trouble. If I lie, I'll feel guilty. I'm caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.

• the devil is in the details

  small things in plans and schemes that are often overlooked can cause serious problems later on

  Example

  We need to go over this contract carefully - remember, the devil is in the details.

• speak of the devil

  when someone you have just been talking about appears unexpectedly

  Example

  Speak of the devil - there's John now!

Phrases with devil

• the devil you know

  it is better to deal with someone or something familiar, even if they are not ideal, than take a risk with an unknown person or thing

  Example

  I'm not happy with my current job, but the devil I know is better than the devil I don't.

• give the devil his due

  acknowledge someone's good qualities even though you dislike them overall

  Example

  I don't like him, but I have to give the devil his due - he's a hard worker.

• play devil's advocate

  to argue against something for the sake of argument, rather than because you disagree with it

  Example

  I don't actually believe that, I'm just playing devil's advocate.

Origins of devil

from Old English 'dēofol', meaning 'evil spirit'

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Summary: devil in Brief

The term 'devil' [ˈdevəl] has three main meanings: the supreme spirit of evil in Christian and Jewish belief, a wicked or cruel person, and an exclamation of annoyance, anger, or surprise. It is used in phrases like 'the devil you know,' which means it is better to deal with someone or something familiar, and idioms like 'between the devil and the deep blue sea,' which describes a difficult situation with two equally unpleasant choices.