Spanish word

diabólico

Pronunciation

IPA/djaˈβoliko/

Meaning

  • adjectiveevil

Example

La sonrisa diabólica me asustó.

The evil smile frightened me.

Illustration for diabólico (evil)

More examples

Su mirada diabólica me hizo retroceder.

His diabolical gaze made me step back.

Core concept

A cruel, plotting smile.

Common phrases

  • mirada diabólica

    diabolical gaze

  • sonrisa diabólica

    diabolical smile

  • acto diabólico

    diabolical act

Similar words

malvado: Driven by wicked motives and a willful desire to do harm to others.
cruel: Marked by active cruelty: causing pain while disregarding suffering.
despiadado: Relentlessly merciless in action or judgment, showing no sympathy.
malévolo: Inclined to wish harm on others, with a spiteful or malevolent attitude.

Definition in Spanish

Describe algo o a alguien que causa daño o muestra intención cruel, como una sonrisa o un plan.

Word origin

From Greek diábolos 'slanderer' via Latin diabolicus, the adjective entered Spanish with a 'devilish' sense and now describes someone or something that intends harm.

Usage tips

  • The written accent in diabólico marks the unusual stress, and although it can appear jokingly for a clever scheme, it is a strong word when used for real violence or cruelty.

Other meanings

  • demonicadjective
  • crueladjective

Opposites

  • benevolentebenevolentadjective
  • bondadosokindadjective

Related words

  • diabólicamentediabolicallyadverb
  • diabolizardemonizeverb

Word lists with this word