hell bent etymology

Etymology of "Hell Bent":

"Hell bent" is an idiom that originated in the 16th century. It is a combination of two words:

• Hell: Short for "hell-bent," which means "damned to hell" or "inclined to evil."
• Bent: From the Middle English "bent," meaning "inclined," "determined," or "inclination."

Meaning:

"Hell bent" means to be determined or strongly inclined to do something, especially something considered reckless, dangerous, or immoral. It implies that the person is so driven to pursue their goal that they are willing to risk anything, even their own well-being or salvation.

Origin:

The phrase "hell bent" first appeared in print in the 16th century. It was used in a literal sense to describe someone who was destined to go to hell or had committed a grave sin. Over time, the phrase evolved to its modern meaning, which is more figurative.

Examples of Usage:

• "He was hell bent on winning the race, even if it meant pushing the other runners aside."
• "She was hell bent on destroying her ex-boyfriend's reputation, no matter the cost."
• "I'm hell bent on finding a cure for this disease, even if it takes me a lifetime."

Other Forms:

"Hell bent for leather" is a variation of the phrase that emphasizes the intensity of the person's determination. It suggests that they are moving rapidly and recklessly towards their goal.

hell bent relate terms

• bent

  Etymology The word bent has Old English origins It comes from the Old English word be

• bend

  Etymology The word bend has multiple etymological origins Old English bendan to

• crooked

  Etymology Middle English croked from Old English croced crocod probably of Germanic

• hell

  Etymology The word hell originates from the Proto Germanic word halja meaning a hidde

• retort

  Etymology The word retort has two etymological roots Latin retorquere meaning to

• gehenna

  Etymology The word gehenna comes from the Hebrew word גֵיהֶנָּם Gehinnom wh

• flexible

  Etymology Latin flexibilis from flexus meaning bent curved Proto Indo Europea

• varus

  Etymology and Origin of Varus Latin Origin The term varus is derived from the Lat

• inflexible

  Etymology Latin inflexibilis in not flexibilis bendable Meaning Unable

• cramp

  Etymology Middle English crampe from Old French crampe from Vulgar Latin crampea fr

• security

  Etymology The word security is derived from the Latin word securus meaning free fro

• judge

  Etymology Latin judex meaning judge Proto Indo European root dyeu or diu

• surreptitious

  Etymology Surreptitious originates from the Latin word surrepticius which means sto