Infernal
/ɪnˈfəːrnəl/
Meaning & Definition
adjective
Of, relating to, or characteristic of hell or the underworld.
The infernal sounds of tortured souls echoed through the dark caverns.
Extremely hot or unpleasant; hellish.
The infernal heat of the desert was unbearable during the midday sun.
Relating to or resembling hell; fiendish or hellish in nature.
The infernal punishment devised by the villain was terrifying.
Intense and vehement; often used in a figurative sense.
His infernal anger was evident in every word he spoke.
Etymology
Middle English 'infernale', from Latin 'infernalem', from 'infernus' meaning 'lower, beneath'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
infernal regions
An archaic term referring to the depths of hell.
infernal machine
A term used historically for a bomb or explosive device.
infernal affairs
Referring to devious or wicked schemes.
Related Words
inferno
A large fire that causes great destruction.
infernalize
To make or declare something hellish or extremely unpleasant.
infernality
The state or quality of being hellish or demonic.
Slang Meanings
Hellish or excessively difficult.
That exam was infernal!
Intensely annoying.
Stop your infernal chatter!