Definition of infernal

The word "infernal" has its roots in Latin. In Latin, the word "infernus" means "underworld" or "hell." This Latin word was derived from the verb "inferre," which means "to bring down" or "to send into." In Christian theology, the underworld was believed to be a place of eternal suffering and punishment for sinners, also known as hell. In the 14th century, the Latin word "infernus" was borrowed into Middle English as "infernal," which means "relating to hell" or "diabolical." In modern English, the word "infernal" is often used to describe something that is extremely unpleasant, evil, or chaotic, such as an "infernal machine" or an "infernal noise."