Armageddon

noun

Ar·​ma·​ged·​don ˌär-mə-ˈge-dᵊn 

1

a

: the site or time of a final and conclusive battle between the forces of good and evil

b

: the battle taking place at Armageddon

2

: a usually vast decisive conflict or confrontation

Examples of Armageddon in a Sentence

the threat of nuclear Armageddon

Recent Examples on the Web

The details of the size and quality of the two superpowers’ nuclear arsenals therefore interested him much less than the ways in which the diplomacy of détente could reduce the risk of Armageddon. —Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024

Facing financial Armageddon, both systems (and most others statewide) threatened severe service cutbacks. —Steven Greenhut, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2024

Season One was all about averting Armageddon, dangerous prophecies, and the End of the World. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 14 Dec. 2023

Nuclear Armageddon and climate change are much more pressing worries. —Susan D'agostino, Quanta Magazine, 24 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Greek Armageddōn, Harmagedōn, scene of the battle foretold in Revelation 16:14–16

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a