apocalypticism

noun

apoc·​a·​lyp·​ti·​cism ə-ˌpä-kə-ˈlip-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

variants or apocalyptism

ə-ˈpä-kə-ˌlip-ˌti-zəm 

: apocalyptic expectation

especially : a doctrine concerning an imminent end of the world and an ensuing general resurrection and final judgment

Examples of apocalypticism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Today the conditions for apocalypticism—gaping inequality, pandemics, rapid technological development—are amply present. — Linda Kinstler, The Atlantic, 1 Dec. 2025

Yet if apocalypticism is phrased in the rhetoric of visionary metaphor and symbol, then the current climate crisis is rendered in the language of arid climatology and geology, a distinction which makes a huge difference. — Ed Simon september 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025

Found in many religious traditions, apocalypticism warns that catastrophe is looming and that humanity needs a tool to achieve salvation. — Sigal Samuel, Vox, 19 June 2024

In a way, our own age’s greasy stew of absurdity and apocalypticism, creeping death tinged with clown-shoe idiocy, suggests a world that has finally, fatefully, caught up with Pynchon. — John Semley, WIRED, 16 Feb. 2023

Often apocalypticism is then differentiated from both millenarianism and eschatology. — Michael Robbins, Harper’s Magazine , 9 Nov. 2022

The apocalypticism and the persecution complex of the movement are perfectly suited to the task. — Katherine Stewart, The New Republic, 10 Jan. 2022

Huntington doesn’t pay much attention to conservative Protestant apocalypticism, which was a key factor in this era. — Washington Post, 30 Dec. 2021

Still others dismiss the catalog of doom and gloom as mere apocalypticism itself. — Keith Kloor, Discover Magazine, 23 Apr. 2012

Word History

Etymology

apocalypticism from apocalyptic + -ism; apocalyptism from apocalypt(ic) + -ism

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for apocalypticism

• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism
• colonialism
• consequentialism
• contextualism
• conventionalism