devil's mark: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very LowHistorical/Literary/Figurative
Quick answer
What does “devil's mark” mean?
A distinctive blemish, scar, or bodily mark believed, in European witch-hunt mythology from the 15th-18th centuries, to have been left by the Devil as a sign of a pact with a witch or heretic.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A distinctive blemish, scar, or bodily mark believed, in European witch-hunt mythology from the 15th-18th centuries, to have been left by the Devil as a sign of a pact with a witch or heretic.
In modern usage, it can metaphorically refer to any permanent stigma, distinguishing flaw, or hidden sign of corruption or evil allegiance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage or meaning. The concept is rooted in European history common to both cultures.
Connotations
Carries strong historical, superstitious, and negative connotations. In metaphorical use, implies a profound, hidden corruption.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, found primarily in historical texts, gothic literature, or sophisticated figurative language.
Grammar
How to Use “devil's mark” in a Sentence
to bear/have the devil's markto search for/find a devil's markto be accused/convicted by a devil's markto be marked with the devil's markVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “devil's mark” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The alleged witch was 'devil's-marked' by the hysterical crowd.
- (Rare/archaic)
American English
- (No common verb form. Use phrases like 'branded with the devil's mark'.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- The devil's-mark evidence was considered irrefutable in the court.
- (Attributive noun use)
American English
- They looked for any devil's-mark scar on the suspect.
- (Attributive noun use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, or literary studies discussing early modern witch-hunts, superstition, or symbolism of evil.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. May appear in metaphorical jest among highly educated speakers.
Technical
A specific term in the historiography of witchcraft and European eschatology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “devil's mark”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “devil's mark”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “devil's mark”
- Using it to describe a simple tattoo or birthmark without the historical/evil connotation (Incorrect: 'My new tattoo is my devil's mark').
- Confusing it with 'devil's advocate'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a historical superstition. Any natural blemish (mole, scar, birthmark, even an area insensitive to pain) could be labelled as such during the witch-craze era.
Yes, but only in very specific contexts: writing historical fiction, making a sophisticated literary metaphor for a permanent moral stain, or discussing the history of witchcraft. It is not for everyday use.
They are largely synonymous in historical texts. Some sources use 'witch's mark' more broadly for any supernatural sign, while 'devil's mark' explicitly denotes a sign of the personal pact with the Devil.
In many notorious trials, yes. It was considered 'prima facie' evidence of witchcraft, especially when combined with other accusations or 'spectral evidence'.
A distinctive blemish, scar, or bodily mark believed, in European witch-hunt mythology from the 15th-18th centuries, to have been left by the Devil as a sign of a pact with a witch or heretic.
Devil's mark is usually historical/literary/figurative in register.
Devil's mark: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdev.əlz mɑːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdev.əlz mɑːrk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) damning as a devil's mark”
- “to bear the devil's mark of (something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a classic witch-trial scene: the inquisitor points to a mole and declares, "The DEVIL left his MARK here!"
Conceptual Metaphor
CORRUPTION/EVIL IS A PHYSICAL STAIN OR BRAND.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'devil's mark' MOST appropriately used?