doomsday-like
|dooms-day-like|
/ˈduːmz.deɪˌlaɪk/
like the end of the world
Etymology
'doomsday-like' originates from English compounds: 'doomsday' + the suffix '-like'. 'Doomsday' comes from Old English 'dōmdæg' where 'dōm' meant 'judgment' and 'dæg' meant 'day'; the suffix '-like' comes from Old English '-lic' meaning 'having the form of' or 'similar to'.
'dōmdæg' changed into Middle English 'domesday' (also seen as 'Domesday' in historical texts) and eventually became modern English 'doomsday'; Old English '-lic' developed into modern suffix '-like', forming adjectives meaning 'similar to' or 'characteristic of'.
Initially, 'doomsday' referred specifically to the religious concept of Judgment Day; over time it broadened to mean any catastrophic or final-destruction scenario, and in compounds like 'doomsday-like' it now describes something resembling that idea (often used figuratively).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
resembling or suggestive of doomsday or the final judgment; having an apocalyptic or catastrophic character.
The final scenes of the novel are doomsday-like, with entire cities swallowed by fire.
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Adjective 2
figuratively intense or ominous; used to describe sounds, images, or warnings that evoke an imminent, disastrous end.
The sirens created a doomsday-like urgency across the town.
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Last updated: 2025/12/09 08:19