apollyon
|a-pol-ly-on|
🇺🇸
/əˈpɑliən/
🇬🇧
/əˈpɒliən/
the destroyer
Etymology
'Apollyon' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'Ἀπολλύων', where the verb 'ἀπολλύω (apollyō)' meant 'to destroy' or 'to perish'.
'Apollyon' in the Greek New Testament (Revelation) functions as a translation/representation of the Hebrew word 'Abaddon' (אֲבַדּוֹן). The name passed into Latin (Vulgate) and then into Medieval and modern English through Bible translations and theological writings.
Initially it denoted 'the destroyer' or a place/force of destruction (Abaddon). Over time it became established as a proper name for a demonic or angelic figure—the 'Destroyer'—and is also used metaphorically for any agent of ruin.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a proper name in the Christian Bible (Revelation 9:11) for the angel (or king) of the abyss, called 'the Destroyer'; identified with the Hebrew 'Abaddon'.
In Revelation 9:11 the angel called Apollyon is described as the king of the abyss and is called the Destroyer.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a literary or figurative term for a person or force that causes widespread destruction or ruin.
The invading army became an apollyon to the region, leaving towns in ruin.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/20 08:36