hell
noun
\ ˈhel
\
\
Definition of hell
(Entry 1 of 2)
2a
: a place or state of misery, torment, or wickedness
war is hell— W. T. Sherman
b
: a place or state of turmoil or destruction
all hell broke loose
d
: unrestrained fun or sportiveness
the kids were full of hell
—often used in the phrase for the hell of it especially to suggest action on impulse or without a serious motive decided to go for the hell of it
e
: an extremely unpleasant and often inescapable situation
rush-hour hell
3
archaic
: a tailor's receptacle
4
—used as an interjection hell, I don't know! or as an intensive hurts like hellfunny as hell —often used in the phrase hell of a it was one hell of a good fight or hell out of scared the hell out of him or with the or in moved way the hell up northwhat in hell is wrong, now?
from hell
hell on
hell or high water
hell to pay
what the hell
: being the worst or most dreadful of its kind
a vacation from hell
: very hard on or destructive to
the constant traveling is hell on your digestive system
: difficulties of whatever kind or size
will stand by her convictions come hell or high water
: dire consequences
if he's late there'll be hell to pay
—used interjectionally to express a lack of concern about consequences or risks it might cost him half his estate … but what the hell— N. W. Aldrich born 1935