What does "infernal" mean?
An inhabitant of the infernal regions, a demon.
Infernal
/ɪnˈfɝnəl/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An inhabitant of the infernal regions, a demon.
- Grammar: infernal is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: demonic, diabolic, fiendish, hellish.
- Useful contrasts: celestial, heavenly, bearable.
- Usage evidence: We exorcise you, every unclean spirit, every satanic power, every incursion of the infernal adversary, every legion, every congregation and diabolical sect.
How to use "infernal"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "infernal" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "infernal" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "infernal" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "infernal" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "infernal" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "demonic" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "infernal", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An inhabitant of the infernal regions, a demon.
- 2 an inhabitant of Hell wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Of or relating to hell, or the world of the dead; hellish.
- 2 Of or relating to a fire or inferno. broadly
- 3 Stygian, gloomy.
- 4 Diabolical or fiendish.
"Th' infernal Serpent; he it was, whose guile Stird up with Envy and Revenge, deceiv'd The Mother of Mankind"
- 5 Very annoying; damned.
"As I had to put up with the patronage and the lecturings, and the eyeglass of that infernal old woman, […]"
Adjective
- 1 expletives used informally as intensifiers wordnet
- 2 extremely evil or cruel; expressive of cruelty or befitting hell wordnet
- 3 being of the underworld wordnet
- 4 characteristic of or resembling Hell wordnet
- 5 of or pertaining to or characteristic of a very uncontrolled and intense fire wordnet
Example
"We exorcise you, every unclean spirit, every satanic power, every incursion of the infernal adversary, every legion, every congregation and diabolical sect."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "infernal"?
Common synonyms include: demonic, diabolic, fiendish, hellish, absolute, acherontic.
How do you use "infernal" in a sentence?
We exorcise you, every unclean spirit, every satanic power, every incursion of the infernal adversary, every legion, every congregation and diabolical sect.
How do you pronounce "infernal"?
Pronounced /ɪnˈfɝnəl/.
Etymology
From Middle French infernal, from Medieval Latin infernalis, from Latin īnfernus, from īnferum (“netherworld, underworld, hell”), equivalent to inferno + -al.