leviathan

le·vi·a·than

noun \li-ˈvī-ə-thən\

Definition of LEVIATHAN

1

a often capitalized : a sea monster defeated by Yahweh in various scriptural accounts b : a large sea animal

2

capitalized : the political state; especially : a totalitarian state having a vast bureaucracy

3

: something large or formidable

— leviathan adjective

Examples of LEVIATHAN

1. The factory is a towering leviathan in the middle of the town.
2. <a leviathan of the seas, that cruise ship is said to be the largest passenger vessel afloat>

Origin of LEVIATHAN

Middle English, from Late Latin, from Hebrew liwyāthān

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to LEVIATHAN

Synonyms: behemoth, blockbuster, colossus, dinosaur, dreadnought, elephant, Goliath, jumbo, giant, mammoth, mastodon, monster, titan, whale, whopper

Antonyms: diminutive, dwarf, half-pint, midget, mite, peewee, pygmy (also pigmy), runt, shrimp

Related Words: amazon, giantess; bulk, hulk; heavyweight; juggernaut, steamroller

Near Antonyms: lightweight, weakling, wimp, wisp; nonentity, twerp, whippersnapper

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