Skip to main content

diabolicextremely evil or cruel; having the characteristics of the devil

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: extremely evil or cruel; having the characteristics of the devil

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌdaɪəˈbɑlɪk/

Example Sentences

  • The cat had a diabolic look in its eyes as it knocked the plant off the table.
  • His diabolic plan to hide all the TV remotes finally succeeded.
  • The dictator's diabolic regime oppressed millions of innocent people.

diabolic

ADJECTIVE

[/ˌdaɪəˈbɑlɪk/]

extremely evil or cruel; having the characteristics of the devil

The diabolic sorcerer laughs as dark flames swallow the village square.
💡 Concept

The diabolic sorcerer laughs as dark flames swallow the village square.

The diabolic alcoholic's symbolic downfall!
🎵 Rhyme

The diabolic alcoholic's symbolic downfall!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌdaɪəˈbɑlɪk/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌdaɪəˈbɒlɪk/

🌳Etymology

Prefixdia--
Rootbol
Suffix--ic

Origin

From Latin 'diabolicus' and Greek 'diabolos' meaning devil or slanderer. The Greek root literally meant 'to throw across' - referring to throwing accusations or casting blame.

Breakdown

dia- (across/through) + bol- (to throw) + -ic (adjective suffix meaning 'characterized by')

🎵Rhyme

symbolichyperbolicalcoholic
symbolic
hyperbolic
alcoholic

🔗Collocations

diabolic scheme
diabolic laughter
diabolic plot
diabolic cruelty
diabolic genius
diabolic influence

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The cat had a diabolic look in its eyes as it knocked the plant off the table.

😄 Fun example

His diabolic plan to hide all the TV remotes finally succeeded.

The dictator's diabolic regime oppressed millions of innocent people.

😄 Fun example

She devised a diabolic strategy to always win at board games.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

evilwickedmalevolentsinisterfiendish

Antonyms

angelicbenevolentgood

Related

devildiabolicalsatanicdemonic

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.