Pronunciation: [dˈɛvə͡lmənt] (IPA) 
Devilment is spelled with the root word devil and the suffix -ment. The IPA phonetic transcription for devilment is /ˈdɛv.əl.mənt/. The first syllable is pronounced like "dev" with a short "e" sound, followed by the schwa sound in the second syllable. The "l" is pronounced before the final syllable, which sounds like "ment". Devilment refers to mischievous behavior or troublemaking, often associated with the devil or evil deeds.
Devilment is a noun that refers to mischievous or wicked behavior, often characterized by a playful or provocative nature. It is derived from the word "devil," which traditionally represents a supernatural being associated with evil and temptation.
In its primary sense, devilment describes acts of mischief or prankish conduct intended to cause annoyance, amusement, or mild trouble. It implies a certain level of harmless naughtiness or playful troublemaking, often exhibited by children or individuals with a mischievous disposition. Devilment can manifest in various forms, such as practical jokes, playful teasing, or witty banter aimed at amusing or testing the limits of others.
However, devilment can also carry a more devious undertone, indicating a slightly malicious or tantalizing intent. In this context, the behavior may cross the line from jesting or playful teasing to more deliberate efforts to provoke, annoy, or frustrate someone. It may involve acts of deception, manipulation, or even small-scale sabotage, aimed at causing mild disruption or discomfort.
While devilment is mostly understood as a lighthearted, mischievous behavior, it is important to note that its connotation may vary depending on the context and individual perspectives. The intentions behind devilment can range from innocent mischief to more malevolent objectives, so it is crucial to consider the circumstances and discern whether the behavior is harmless fun or something more sinister.
Wicked mischief.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "devilment" is derived from the word "devil" which originated from Old English "deofol". "Deofol" can be traced to the Late Latin "diabolus", which in turn came from the Greek word "diabolos". In Greek, "diabolos" meant "slanderer" or "accuser", and it was used as a term for the devil. Over time, the meaning of "devil" expanded to include the embodiment of evil, mischief, or wickedness. "Devilment" is derived from "devil" and refers to mischievous or wicked behavior.
