Select the synonym, that is, the word closest in meaning to "bedevilment", from the options given below.

Introduction / Context:
This synonym question focuses on the noun bedevilment, which is related to the verb bedevil. In general usage, to bedevil means to cause persistent trouble, difficulty, or confusion. To answer correctly, you need to recognise which option expresses a similar idea of harassment or persistent difficulty, even if the part of speech is slightly different.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- Target word: bedevilment. - Options: delight, beset, facilitate, contentment. - The correct option must convey the idea of constant trouble or harassment.

Concept / Approach:
Bedevilment refers to a state of being plagued, tormented, or troubled again and again by problems. The verb beset means to surround and attack or to trouble persistently. Although one is a noun and the other is a verb, in vocabulary questions they are considered close enough in meaning, since both describe ongoing harassment or difficulty. The other options, delight, facilitate, and contentment, all have positive or helpful connotations, which are opposite to the sense of bedevilment.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that bedevilment suggests being tormented or disturbed repeatedly by problems. Step 2: Examine beset, which is used in sentences like The project was beset by delays, meaning it was constantly troubled by delays. Step 3: Compare this with delight, which describes great pleasure and is the opposite of being troubled. Step 4: Consider facilitate, which means to make something easier, again contrary to causing difficulty. Step 5: Contentment refers to happiness and satisfaction, which is the emotional opposite of the frustration implied by bedevilment. Step 6: Therefore, beset is the closest in meaning to bedevilment.

Verification / Alternative check:
Write example sentences. Bedevilment by financial problems ruined their peace of mind describes constant trouble. The family was beset by financial problems expresses a very similar idea. If we try to use delight, facilitate, or contentment in the same sentence, the meaning changes completely and no longer matches the negative tone of bedevilment. This test confirms that beset is the best semantic match.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Delight denotes joy or great pleasure, which conflicts with the idea of trouble. Facilitate means to make an action or process easier, which is the opposite of causing difficulty. Contentment describes a state of peaceful happiness, far from the unrest and bother suggested by bedevilment. Because all three convey positive or helpful conditions, they cannot be synonyms of a word that describes persistent harassment.

Common Pitfalls:
In synonym questions, some candidates select an option simply because it is less familiar, assuming that the difficult word must be the right answer. This strategy often fails. A better approach is to focus on the emotional tone, whether the word is positive or negative, and on the type of situation it describes. Bedevilment clearly has a negative tone and is associated with repeated problems, which aligns neatly with beset.

Final Answer:
beset is the option that best matches the meaning of bedevilment.