apocalypse

[ uh-pok-uh-lips ]

noun

1. 1. a prophecy or revelation, especially regarding a final cataclysmic battle between good and evil.
   2. the apocalypse, in some belief systems, a final cataclysmic battle of this kind, in which evil is defeated and the present age brought to a close:

      According to traditional evangelical teaching, the apocalypse will begin with a time of persecution.

   3. the apocalypse, the end of civilization; the complete destruction or collapse of the world as we know it (sometimes used facetiously):

      On both ends of the political spectrum, visions of the apocalypse and predictions of doom abound.

      We thought this recession might be the apocalypse, and sales would go down to 1 percent.

2. any universal or widespread destruction or disaster:

   If humanity is to avoid a nuclear apocalypse, a whole new level of international cooperation is urgently required.

3. Apocalypse. Revelation ( def 4 ).
4. any piece of literature belonging to a genre of Jewish or Christian writings that appeared from about 200 b.c. to the late Middle Ages and were assumed to reveal God’s ultimate purpose.

apocalypse

¹

/ əˈpɒkəlɪps /

noun

1. a prophetic disclosure or revelation
2. an event of great importance, violence, etc, like the events described in the Apocalypse

Apocalypse

²

/ əˈpɒkəlɪps /

noun

1. Bible (in the Vulgate and Douay versions of the Bible) the Book of Revelation

Apocalypse

1. Another name for the New Testament Book of Revelation ; from the Greek word for “revelation.”

Notes

An “apocalypse” is a final catastrophe.

The Apocalypse is supposed to come at the end of the world or of time.

Word History and Origins

Origin of apocalypse¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English, from Late Latin apocalypsis, from Greek apokálypsis “revelation,” from apokalýp(tein) “to uncover, reveal” (from apo- apo- + kalýptein “to cover, conceal”; eucalyptus ) + -sis -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of apocalypse¹

C13: from Late Latin apocalypsis, from Greek apokalupsis, from apokaluptein to disclose, from apo- + kaluptein to hide

Example Sentences

Apocalypses are also opportunities: “chances for us to see ourselves, to take responsibility for what we see, to change.”

From Salon

However, says author Steve Olson, who wrote about the Manhattan Project’s plutonium reactors in “The Apocalypse Factory,” “that is not going to happen with any Republican administration if Republicans continue on their current path.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I had so many profound emotions about not being able to carry my daughter,” the “X-Men: Apocalypse” star added, sharing additional pictures of Méi’s debut.

From Los Angeles Times

The first trailer for "Megalopolis" showcased negative reviews for Coppola's films "Apocalypse Now," "The Godfather" and "Bram Stoker's Dracula."

From Salon

Similarly, critic Rex Reed’s apparent dig at Apocalypse Now - “an epic piece of trash” - was made up.

From BBC

Related Words

• annihilation
• cataclysm
• catastrophe
• devastation