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English

apocalypse

|a/poc/a/lypse|

C1

🇺🇸

/əˈpɑːkəˌlɪps/

🇬🇧

/əˈpɒkəlɪps/

catastrophic revelation

Etymology
Etymology Information

'apocalypse' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'apokalypsis,' where 'apo-' meant 'away' and 'kalypsis' meant 'covering.'

Historical Evolution

'apokalypsis' transformed into the Latin word 'apocalypsis,' and eventually became the modern English word 'apocalypse' through Old French.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'uncovering or revelation,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a catastrophic event.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a prophetic revelation, especially concerning a cataclysm in which the forces of good permanently triumph over the forces of evil.

The book of Revelation in the Bible is often referred to as an apocalypse.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a great disaster or sudden and very bad event that causes much fear, loss, or destruction.

The earthquake was an apocalypse for the small town.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42