leviathans
|le-vi-a-thans|
/lɪˈvaɪ.əθənz/
(leviathan)
large and powerful entity
Etymology
'leviathan' originates from Hebrew, specifically the word 'liwyāṯān' (לִוְיָתָן), where the root likely meant 'twisted' or 'coiled'.
'leviathan' passed from Hebrew 'liwyāṯān' into Ancient Greek and Latin biblical translations, then into Middle English (often as 'livyathan' or 'leviathan') and finally became the modern English word 'leviathan'.
Initially, it referred specifically to a monstrous sea creature in ancient texts; over time it broadened to mean any enormously large or powerful creature or organization, and also became the title/term used by Hobbes for the sovereign/state.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a huge sea monster or creature, originally from the Bible and ancient mythology.
Sailors told stories of leviathans rising from the deep to swallow ships.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a very large and powerful organization, company, or entity (used figuratively).
Modern tech leviathans dominate global markets and shape public discourse.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 3
a reference to Thomas Hobbes' book 'Leviathan' or the concept of an absolute sovereign/state as an all-powerful entity.
Political theorists often invoke leviathans when debating the limits of state power.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/18 17:51