apocalypse
IPA
Definition of 'apocalypse'
A catastrophic event or a series of events that bring about widespread destruction and devastation.
"The survivors of the apocalypse had to band together in order to rebuild society."
Detailed Meaning of 'apocalypse'
It is often used to describe the end of the world or a major, global catastrophe. The word apocalypse is derived from the Greek word "apokalypsis" which means "uncovering" or "revelation", it is also associated with religious concepts of the end of the world. For example, the Bible speaks of an "Apocalypse" which is the end of the present world and the beginning of the new world. In modern usage, it is often used to describe a catastrophic event or a major crisis that has the potential to cause widespread destruction or the end of civilization. The term apocalypse can also be used in a metaphorical sense to describe an event or a situation that has a profound impact on the way of life, society, or the world.
Examples of 'apocalypse' in a Sentence
1. The survivors struggled to rebuild their lives after the apocalypse.
2. The movie depicted a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies.
3. Many ancient civilizations believed in prophecies of an impending apocalypse.
4. The pandemic felt like a modern-day apocalypse to many.
5. The city was in ruins, a stark reminder of the apocalypse.
6. The novel explored themes of survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
Origins & Etymology of 'apocalypse'
The noun 'apocalypse' has an etymology deeply rooted in religious and ancient Greek traditions. It comes from the Greek word 'apokalypsis,' which is a combination of 'apo,' meaning 'un-' or 'revealing,' and 'kalypto,' meaning 'to cover' or 'to conceal.' Thus, 'apokalypsis' originally meant 'uncovering' or 'revelation.' In religious contexts, it referred to divine revelations or prophecies, especially those found in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Revelation. Over time, 'apocalypse' broadened its meaning to describe a catastrophic event or a series of events that bring about widespread destruction and devastation, often with an end-of-the-world connotation. The etymology of 'apocalypse' underscores its historical association with revealing or uncovering profound and often catastrophic events, highlighting the sense of revelation and destruction encapsulated in the word's modern usage.
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