prophet

proph·et

noun \ˈprä-fət\

Definition of PROPHET

1

: one who utters divinely inspired revelations: as

a often capitalized : the writer of one of the prophetic books of the Bible

b capitalized : one regarded by a group of followers as the final authoritative revealer of God's will <Muhammad, the Prophet of Allah>

2

: one gifted with more than ordinary spiritual and moral insight; especially : an inspired poet

3

: one who foretells future events : predictor

4

: an effective or leading spokesman for a cause, doctrine, or group

5

Christian Science

a : a spiritual seer

b : disappearance of material sense before the conscious facts of spiritual Truth

— proph·et·hood \-ˌhu̇d\ noun

Examples of PROPHET

1. the words of the prophet
2. <an economist who is regarded by many as a reliable prophet of future developments in the global economy>

Origin of PROPHET

Middle English prophete, from Anglo-French, from Latin propheta, from Greek prophētēs, from pro for + phanai to speak — more at for, ban

First Known Use: 12th century

Related to PROPHET

Synonyms

augur, diviner, forecaster, foreseer, foreteller, fortune-teller, futurist, prognosticator, prophesier, seer, soothsayer, visionary

Related Words

prophetess, sibyl, wisewoman; mystic, oracle; astrologer, crystal gazer, palmist, rhabdomancer; Cassandra, doomsayer, doomsdayer, Jeremiah

Rhymes with PROPHET

profit, soffit

prophet

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Person who speaks by divine inspiration, revealing or interpreting the will of a god. Prophets have appeared in many religions throughout history. The most familiar in the West are such Old Testament leaders as Moses, Isaiah, and Daniel, along with the Prophet Muhammad. In contrast to the diviner or interpreter of omens (see divination), who may answer private questions, prophets often address the destiny and moral life of a whole people. Some prophets seek to create a new society that will realize their message and thus found new religions. Others may look only to reform or purify an existing society and religion. The tone of prophecy ranges widely, from ecstasy, inspired utterance, and ethical fervor to passionate social criticism, prediction of the future, and expectation of apocalypse.