Devil

The term 'devil' originates from the ancient Greek 'diabolos', meaning 'slanderer' or 'accuser'. In various religious and cultural traditions, the devil is often depicted as a malevolent being that embodies evil and temptation, opposing the divine and moral order. He is commonly associated with chaos, deceit, and the corruption of humanity, often represented in literature, art, and folklore as a tempter or adversary, encouraging sinful behavior and moral failing among humans.

Devil meaning with examples

• In the folklore of many cultures, the devil often appears as a cunning trickster, luring unsuspecting individuals into committing sins they would otherwise avoid. For instance, in classic tales like Faust, the character is tempted by the devil to trade his soul for knowledge and pleasure, illustrating the struggle between morality and the allure of power.
• Many people use the expression 'the devil is in the details' to signify that intricate and often overlooked factors can lead to complications. This saying highlights how seemingly minor aspects of a project can drastically affect the outcomes, reminding individuals to pay close attention to every facet of their work to avoid costly errors.
• In a theological context, the devil frequently represents the personification of evil, opposing the will of God. Various religious texts often warn followers of the devil's deceptions and temptations, serving as a reminder of the spiritual warfare between good and evil, and the importance of remaining steadfast in one’s faith to resist his influence.
• In literature, the devil often functions as an antagonist embodying human fears and moral confusion. For example, in John Milton's 'Paradise Lost', Satan is portrayed not only as the devil but as a once-great angel whose pride leads to his downfall, painting him as a complex figure of sympathy and repulsion.
• The concept of a 'devil's advocate' arises in discussions or debates where one is tasked with defending a position they do not necessarily agree with. This practice encourages critical thinking and analysis, allowing people to explore different viewpoints and strengthen their arguments, all in the spirit of constructive discourse.

Devil Synonyms

anarchist, beelzebub, daemon, devil incarnate, evil spirit, false god, fiend, imposter, malefactor, malignant spirit, mephistopheles, monstrosity, ogre, plague, satan, scoundrel, tempter, trickster, villain, wicked one

Devil Antonyms

angel, benefactor, champion, divine being, force for good, guardian, guiding light, hero, holy spirit, magnanimous soul, messenger, messiah, moral agent, noble figure, paragon, protector, redeemer, saint, savior, virtuous person

Devil Crossword Answers

3 Letters

IMP, RAG, VEX

4 Letters

OGRE, NARK, RILE

5 Letters

FIEND, DEUCE, SATAN, SCAMP, DEMON, ANNOY, CHAFE, GETAT, GETTO, WOMAN

6 Letters

RASCAL, DAEMON, DAIMON, HELLER, BOTHER, GRAVEL, NETTLE

7 Letters

LUCIFER, OLDNICK, HELLION, DICKENS, MONSTER

8 Letters

IRRITATE

9 Letters

BEELZEBUB

10 Letters

THETEMPTER

11 Letters

FALLENANGEL

16 Letters

PRINCEOFDARKNESS