kenosis

noun

ke·​no·​sis kə-ˈnō-səs How to pronounce kenosis (audio)
kē-
: the relinquishment of divine attributes by Jesus Christ in becoming human
kenotic adjective

Examples of kenosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Benjamin qualified for the national bee by winning the San Diego County Scripps Regional Spelling Bee in March, correctly spelling kenosis, the relinquishment of divine attributes by Jesus Christ in becoming human, in the 23rd round. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026 Can Amor’s loving, self-sacrificial kenosis offer a feasible political model? James Wood, The New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Late Greek kenōsis, from Greek, action of emptying, from kenoun to purge, empty, from kenos empty

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kenosis was in 1873

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kenosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kenosis. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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