Meaning & Definition of word "Diabolical"

Diabolical

/ˌdaɪəˈbɒlɪkəl/

adjective:

  • 1. Characteristic of the devil; wicked or cruel.
    • Example: The villain's diabolical plan was to unleash chaos in the city.
  • 2. Extremely evil or bad; outrageously wicked.
    • Example: Her diabolical actions shocked even the most seasoned criminals.
  • 3. Relating to or befitting the devil; devilish.
    • Example: The diabolical laughter echoed in the dark chamber.
  • 4. Intended to cause harm or mischief; malicious.
    • Example: The hacker devised a diabolical scheme to steal sensitive information.

Etymology

From Latin 'diabolicus', meaning 'devilish', from 'diabolus', meaning 'devil'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

diabolical genius:

a person with extremely clever or cunning ideas that are often immoral or evil.

diabolical scheme:

a plan or plot that is wicked or evil in nature.

diabolical laughter:

laughter that suggests cruelty or evil intent.

Related Words

devil:

a supernatural being, often representing evil.

demon:

an evil spirit or devil.

malevolence:

the state or condition of being malevolent.

Slang Meanings of diabolical

Meaning: Something extremely clever yet cruel.

Example Sentence: That plot twist was so diabolical, I can't believe they pulled it off.

Meaning: Intensely frustrating or annoying.

Example Sentence: This diabolical traffic is making me late!