annihilationism
|an-ni-hi-la-tion-ism|
🇺🇸
/əˌnaɪəˈleɪʃənɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/əˌnaɪəˈleɪʃ(ə)nɪzəm/
belief in complete destruction
Etymology
'annihilationism' originates from Modern English, specifically the word 'annihilation' + the suffix '-ism', where 'annihilation' derives from Latin 'annihilatio' (from 'annihilare') and '-ism' meant 'doctrine or belief'.
'annihilation' changed from Latin 'annihilatio' (noun formed from 'annihilare') and passed through Middle French and Middle English forms before becoming the modern English 'annihilation', with '-ism' later added to form 'annihilationism'.
Initially, the root meant 'the action of reducing to nothing' (Latin sense). Over time, when used as 'annihilationism' it came to mean specifically 'the doctrine that certain beings will be brought to nonexistence rather than endure everlasting punishment'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the theological or philosophical doctrine that the wicked (or the unsaved) will ultimately be completely destroyed or cease to exist, rather than suffer eternal conscious punishment.
Annihilationism argues that final judgment results in the cessation of existence for the wicked rather than eternal torment.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/15 20:21