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apocalypse

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noun apoc·a·lypse \ ə-ˈpä-kə-ˌlips \

Definition of apocalypse

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 3
2 a :something viewed as a prophetic revelation
b :armageddon
3 :a great disaster
  • an environmental apocalypse

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Examples of apocalypse in a Sentence

  1. His book tells of an environmental apocalypse.

  2. the fear that the next global pandemic could be an apocalypse of biblical proportions

Recent Examples of apocalypse from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'apocalypse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of apocalypse

Middle English, revelation, Revelation, from Anglo-French apocalipse, from Late Latin apocalypsis, from Greek apokalypsis, from apokalyptein to uncover, from apo- + kalyptein to cover — more at hell

apocalypse Synonyms

Synonyms
disaster, calamity, cataclysm, catastrophe, debacle (also débâcle), tragedy
Related Words
bloodbath, collapse, crash, meltdown; Armageddon, doomsday, end-time; convulsion, paroxysm, upheaval; accident, casualty, fatality; misadventure, mischance, misfortune, mishap; blast, blow, double whammy, one-two (or one-two punch)
Near Antonyms
godsend, manna, windfall

Other Bible Terms

antediluvian, apocalyptic, apocrypha, behemoth

Phrases Related to APOCALYPSE

Related Phrases

APOCALYPSE Defined for English Language Learners

apocalypse

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noun

Definition of apocalypse for English Language Learners

  • : a great disaster : a sudden and very bad event that causes much fear, loss, or destruction

Learn More about apocalypse

  1. See words that rhyme with apocalypse Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for apocalypse Spanish Central: Translation of apocalypse Nglish: Translation of apocalypse for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of apocalypse for Arabic speakers

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Examples: apocalypse in a Sentence