resurrection

noun

res·​ur·​rec·​tion ˌre-zə-ˈrek-shən 

1

a

capitalized : the rising of Christ from the dead

b

often capitalized : the rising again to life of all the human dead before the final judgment

c

: the state of one risen from the dead

2

: resurgence, revival

3

Christian Science : a spiritualization of thought : material belief that yields to spiritual understanding

resurrectional

ˌre-zə-ˈrek-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Did you know?

The word resurrection first arose in English in the 14th century, coming from the Anglo-French word resurreccioun, which in turn comes from the Late Latin verb resurgere, meaning “to rise from the dead.” Originally, the word was used in Christian contexts to refer to the rising of Christ from the dead or to the festival celebrating this rising (now known as Easter). Perhaps showing the influence of the Late Latin verb resurgere’s Latin forerunner, which could mean “to rise again” (as from a recumbent position) as well as “to spring up again after being cut” (used of plants), resurrection soon began to be used more generally in the senses of “resurgence” or “revival.” It even forms part of the name of the resurrection fern, an iconic fern of the southern United States often seen growing on the limbs of live oak trees. The fern is so named due to the fact that in dry weather it curls up, turns brown, and appears dead, only to be “brought back to life” when exposed to moisture.

Synonyms

• reanimation
• rebirth
• regeneration
• rejuvenation
• rejuvenescence
• renewal
• resurgence
• resuscitation
• revitalization
• revival
• revivification

Examples of resurrection in a Sentence

He was enjoying the resurrection of his career.

a resurrection of an old theory

Recent Examples on the Web

From the ’90s originals to the series’ resurrection in recent years, the Doom games have always been about using constant, zippy motion to dodge through a sea of relatively slow-moving bullets, maintaining your distance while firing back at encroaching hordes of varied monsters. —ArsTechnica, 9 May 2025

The brown resurrection fern that grew thick along the jagged edges of the hollow was changing to a bright green right before her eyes. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 1 May 2025

Success confirms Rockingham is ‘on the radar’ of NASCAR Cup Series Kahne isn’t the only one who felt like this weekend’s resurrection felt special. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2025

Now, a new report from Galaxy Digital suggests a partial resurrection is underway, led by a familiar cast of survivors. —Nina Bambysheva, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English resurreccioun, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin resurrection-, resurrectio act of rising from the dead, from resurgere to rise from the dead, from Latin, to rise again, from re- + surgere to rise — more at surge

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing resurrection

• post-resurrection
• the resurrection

Rhymes for resurrection

• circumspection
• disaffection
• disconnection
• disinfection
• dorsiflexion
• imperfection
• indirection
• insurrection
• intellection
• interjection
• intersection
• introjection

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Kids Definition

resurrection

noun

res·​ur·​rec·​tion ˌrez-ə-ˈrek-shən 

1

a

capitalized : the rising of Jesus from the dead

b

often capitalized : the rising again to life of all the human dead before the final judgment

2

: resurgence, revival

resurrectional

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective