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leviathan

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Dictionary definition of leviathan

A mythical sea monster or a powerful, enormous creature mentioned in ancient texts and mythologies.
"The ancient sailors told tales of a fearsome leviathan lurking beneath the depths of the ocean."

Detailed meaning of leviathan

It is often described as a colossal sea serpent or a sea dragon, possessing great strength and often associated with chaos or destruction. The term "leviathan" can also be used metaphorically to represent something immense, formidable, or overpowering. In this sense, it symbolizes an entity or force of significant magnitude or dominance, exerting influence or control over a particular domain. It may represent an oppressive government, an all-encompassing system, or an overwhelming challenge that appears insurmountable. The concept of the leviathan carries a sense of awe, fear, and grandeur, capturing the imagination and inspiring both reverence and trepidation.

Example sentences containing leviathan

1. The novel depicted a dystopian world ruled by a totalitarian leviathan.
2. The colossal leviathan emerged from the darkness, causing panic among the onlookers.
3. Legends speak of a legendary hero who managed to slay the leviathan and bring peace to the land.
4. The colossal warship was aptly named Leviathan, representing its immense power and size.
5. The leviathan of bureaucracy made it difficult for individuals to navigate the system.
6. The team faced a formidable opponent, a leviathan in the world of sports.

History and etymology of leviathan

The noun 'leviathan' has its etymological origins in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the Book of Job. It comes from the Hebrew word 'livyathan,' which referred to a monstrous sea creature. The term later appeared in other ancient texts, including the Psalms and the Book of Isaiah, where 'leviathan' symbolized a powerful, enormous creature of the deep, often used metaphorically to represent chaos and untamed natural forces. 'Leviathan' made its way into English through Old French and Middle English translations of these biblical texts, maintaining its association with a mythical sea monster or a formidable, colossal entity. Its etymology underscores the enduring fascination with powerful and enigmatic creatures from ancient mythologies and religious narratives.

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Further usage examples of leviathan

1. The leviathan of debt weighed heavily on the struggling economy.
2. In mythology, the leviathan symbolizes chaos and the destructive forces of nature.
3. The scientist dedicated years of research to unravel the mysteries of the leviathan.
4. The leviathan's ferocious roar echoed through the ancient forest, sending shivers down the spine.
5. The tale warned of the consequences of awakening the dormant leviathan, bringing ruin upon the land.
6. The sailors feared encountering the leviathan in those treacherous waters.
7. Legends speak of a colossal leviathan lurking beneath the ocean's depths.
8. The ancient texts describe the leviathan as an immense, serpentine creature.
9. A massive leviathan breached the surface, its size astonishing all.
10. The explorer's tales recounted a fierce battle with a sea-bound leviathan.
11. The movie depicted a modern-day encounter with a robotic leviathan.
12. In mythology, the leviathan symbolizes the primal forces of the sea.
13. The colossal leviathan's roar echoed across the abyss.
14. The leviathan's scales glistened like polished armor.
15. Researchers study the ocean's depths in search of the elusive leviathan.
16. The ancient city's ruins held secrets of the leviathan's existence.
17. As a metaphor, the leviathan represents an unstoppable force.
18. The artist's painting portrayed the leviathan as a mythical guardian.
19. Some believe the leviathan still roams undiscovered in the deep sea.
20. The epic tale told of heroes facing the wrath of a fearsome leviathan.
21. The captain regaled his crew with stories of the leviathan's might.
22. Scientists debate the existence of the prehistoric leviathan.
23. The leviathan's shadow passed beneath the fishing boat, stirring fear.
24. The cryptic map hinted at the location of the hidden leviathan.
25. The oceanographer embarked on a daring expedition to find the legendary leviathan.