Definition of hell (Entry 1 of 2)
1a(1) : a nether world in which the dead continue to exist : HADES
(2) : the nether realm of the devil and the demons in which condemned people suffer everlasting punishment —often used in curses
go to hell
or as a generalized term of abuse
the hell with it
b Christian Science : ERROR sense 2b, SIN
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