apocalypse

noun

apoc·​a·​lypse ə-ˈpä-kə-ˌlips How to pronounce apocalypse (audio)
plural apocalypses
1
a
: one of the Jewish and Christian writings of 200 b.c. to a.d. 150 marked by pseudonymity, symbolic imagery, and the expectation of an imminent cosmic cataclysm in which God destroys the ruling powers of evil and raises the righteous to life in a messianic kingdom
b
capitalized : revelation sense 3
2
a
: something viewed as a prophetic revelation
3
a
: a large, disastrous fire : inferno
Most foresters agree that small, "prescribed" burns, carefully controlled, are essential to prevent the larger apocalypse.Lance Morrow
b
: a great disaster
an environmental apocalypse

Examples of apocalypse in a Sentence

His book tells of an environmental apocalypse. the fear that the next global pandemic could be an apocalypse of biblical proportions
Recent Examples on the Web Mortality is an apocalypse that’s common to every human. Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 31 Jan. 2024 The scientists created the clock in 1947 using the imagery of apocalypse (midnight) and the contemporary idiom of nuclear explosion (countdown to zero) to convey threats to humanity and the Earth. Doyle Rice, The Courier-Journal, 23 Jan. 2024 Even with the heavy feeling of obligation that comes with being invited somewhere, turning down one or two invites will probably not start a holiday apocalypse—unless your aunt is an exception. Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 22 Dec. 2023 Brad Pitt, as United Nations investigator Gerry Lane, goes on a quest to save the world from a zombie apocalypse. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2024 An alien invasion movie told in the style of an arthouse film, Arrival’s deeper story is far more profound than detailing the coming apocalypse. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 26 Jan. 2024 In beer terms, this neighborhood is experiencing everything from a renaissance to an apocalypse. Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Jan. 2024 The year was 2012 and the impending Mayan apocalypse was all the rage, so naturally it was written into Glee. Vulture, 19 Dec. 2023 The Java grinder is an extension of that—a portable coffee grinder rugged enough to survive the zombie apocalypse or a bumpy ride to your favorite campsite. Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 27 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'apocalypse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English Apocalipse "Revelation (the New Testament book)," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin apocalypsis "revelation, the Book of Revelation," borrowed from Greek apokálypsis "uncovering, disclosure, revelation," from apokalyp-, stem of apokalýptein "to uncover, disclose, reveal" (from apo- apo- + kalýptein "to cover, protect, conceal," of uncertain origin) + -sis -sis

Note: Greek kalýptein is associated in older handbooks with Indo-European *ḱel- "conceal" (see conceal), though neither the vocalism nor the supposed extension *-up- are easily explicable.

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of apocalypse was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near apocalypse

Cite this Entry

“Apocalypse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apocalypse. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

apocalypse

1 of 2 noun
apoc·​a·​lypse
ə-ˈpä-kə-ˌlips
1
: something thought of as a prophetic revelation
2
a
: the place or time of the final battle between good and evil
b
: a decisive battle
3
: a great disaster
apocalyptic
ə-ˌpä-kə-ˈlip-tik
adjective

Apocalypse

2 of 2 noun
: one of the Jewish and Christian writings of 200 B.C. to A.D. 150 by an author writing under a pseudonym that is marked by symbolic imagery and the expectation of an imminent cosmic cataclysm in which God destroys the ruling powers of evil and raises the righteous to life in a heavenly kingdom see bible

More from Merriam-Webster on apocalypse

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