resurrection

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noun res·ur·rec·tion \ ˌre-zə-ˈrek-shən \

Definition of resurrection

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

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resurrectional

play \-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl\ adjective

See resurrection defined for English-language learners

See resurrection defined for kids

Examples of resurrection in a Sentence

He was enjoying the resurrection of his career.
a resurrection of an old theory

Recent Examples of resurrection from the Web

While there is no Confederate imagery in the parish, a window over the altar depicting the resurrection was dedicated to Lee, as was its prominent brass cross.

— michelle boorstein, Washington Post, "This is the church where Robert E. Lee declared himself a sinner. Should it keep his name?," 22 Aug. 2017
This week's Game of Thrones offered its most intense of the season, with several icy battles, battling Stark sisters, a grand entrance from Daenerys, a shocking death—and an even more shocking resurrection.

— julie kosin, Harper's BAZAAR, "Game of Thrones Season 7 Episode 6: 16 Things to Know About "Beyond the Wall"," 21 Aug. 2017
The fall collections brought many shifts to the industry — an influx of see-now, buy-now shows, the resurrection of ‘

— kelsi trinidad, The Cut, "Updated: See the Newest Fashion Campaigns for Fall 2017," 11 Aug. 2017
An interesting twist: Team Deathmatch kills won’t count if Mercy pops a resurrection.

— hayden dingman, PCWorld, "This week in games: Valve reveals a Dota card game, Overwatch adds deathmatch," 11 Aug. 2017
Catholicism emphasizes that suffering is never meaningless because Christ’s agony on the cross gave rise to the resurrection and the promise of eternal life.

— atlanta life, ajc, "Advice on widowhood from a two-year survivor," 11 Aug. 2017
Since first responding in December of 2012 to a blind email for help, Zorn and others from the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Anderson Township have made countless trips to Manna From Heaven food pantry in Myra, Kentucky.

— sheila vilvens, Cincinnati.com, "Hamilton County Roundup: Lunken Airport Days, Dog Days and Anderson church mission gets boost," 3 Aug. 2017
Who better to teach this than Mary Magdalene, who saw the risen Christ after the Resurrection?

— nr interview, National Review, "Finding Peace with Mary Magdalene," 22 July 2017
From revenge to mutiny to suicide, here’s a graphic look at how almost every major death — and resurrection — has gone down in the world of ice and fire.

— TIME.com, "Game of Thrones," 15 July 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of resurrection

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

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First Known Use: 14th century

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resurrection Synonyms

Synonyms

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

Related Words

renaissance, renascence; reinvention; reactivation; rally, recovery, recuperation; restoral, restoration

Near Antonyms

death, expiration, extinction

RESURRECTION Defined for English Language Learners

resurrection

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noun

Definition of resurrection for English Language Learners

in Christianity the Resurrection : the event told about in the Bible in which Jesus Christ returned to life after his death
the resurrection : the event told about in the Bible in which dead people will be brought back to life before the day of final judgment
: the act of causing something that had ended or been forgotten or lost to exist again, to be used again, etc.