好词典

diabolical

UK //ˌdaɪəˈbɒlɪkəl//US //ˌdaɪəˈbɑːlɪkəl//

词源

源自晚期拉丁语 'diabolicus',来自希腊语 'diabolikos'(魔鬼的),与 'diabolos'(诽谤者,魔鬼)相关。14世纪后期进入英语。

adjective

❶ 形容极其邪恶或残忍的行为、事物或人,带有魔鬼般的特质。常用于强调极端恶劣的性质。

“The dictator's diabolical crimes shocked the world.”

(独裁者魔鬼般的罪行震惊了世界。)

“She had a diabolical plan to ruin his reputation.”

(她有一个恶毒的计划要毁掉他的名誉。)

❶ 形容极其糟糕或令人恼火的情况,常用于非正式场合表达强烈不满。

“The traffic this morning was absolutely diabolical.”

(今早的交通状况简直糟透了。)

“I've had a diabolical day at work.”

(我今天上班过得糟糕透顶。)

同义词:devilish, fiendish, wicked, evil, atrocious

常见短语

diabolical scheme — 指极其邪恶或阴险的计划,通常带有伤害他人或造成破坏的目的。

“The detective uncovered the criminal's diabolical scheme to poison the water supply.”

(侦探揭穿了罪犯企图投毒供水系统的邪恶阴谋。)

diabolical laughter — 形容那种令人毛骨悚然、充满恶意的笑声,常出现在恐怖片或描写反派角色时。

“The witch's diabolical laughter echoed through the haunted castle.”

(女巫邪恶的笑声在闹鬼的城堡中回荡。)