Gehenna

noun

Ge·​hen·​na gi-ˈhe-nə How to pronounce Gehenna (audio)
1
: a place or state of misery
2

Examples of Gehenna in a Sentence

the depression that has enshrouded her since the death of her husband is a Gehenna from which she may never be released in a fire-and-brimstone sermon, the evangelist warned those assembled that they faced the fires of Gehenna if they failed to repent

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek Geenna, from Hebrew Gē' Hinnōm, literally, valley of Hinnom

First Known Use

circa 1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Gehenna was circa 1534

Dictionary Entries Near Gehenna

Cite this Entry

“Gehenna.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Gehenna. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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