infernal
UK: ɪnˈfɜːnəl | US: ɪnˈfɜːrnəl
adj. relating to or characteristic of hell or the underworld; hellish
adj. (informal) extremely annoying or unpleasant
infernal = infern<hell> + al<adjective suffix>
- infern: From Latin infernus ("of the lower regions, underground"), derived from inferus ("below, beneath"). In Christian theology, it came to specifically denote hell.
- al: A suffix forming adjectives, from Latin -alis, indicating "pertaining to."
Etymology Origin:
The word infernal traces back to Latin infernus, which originally referred to the subterranean world (both physically and mythologically). Over time, especially through Christian influence, infernus became synonymous with "hell," and infernal evolved to describe anything hellish or diabolical. The informal sense of "extremely annoying" emerged later, metaphorically extending the idea of hellish torment to everyday frustrations.
The infernal screams of the damned echoed through the cavern.
She cursed the infernal noise of the construction work outside her window.
The infernal heat of the desert made travel nearly unbearable.
Legends speak of infernal creatures lurking in the shadows.
His infernal stubbornness delayed the project for weeks.