Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Apocalypse: meaning, definitions and examples

☠️
Add to dictionary

apocalypse

 

[əˈpɑːkəlɪps ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

end of the world

An apocalypse is a very serious event resulting in great destruction and change. It is often associated with the end of the world or a catastrophic event that brings about widespread devastation.

Synonyms

Armageddon, catastrophe, doomsday.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
apocalypse

Use when referring to an end-of-the-world scenario or a massive disaster, often in a religious or mythical context.

  • Some people believe an apocalypse will occur and change the world forever.
  • The movie portrayed a zombie apocalypse that devastated the planet.
catastrophe

Best used when referring to a sudden and widespread disaster, which can be natural or man-made, causing great damage or suffering.

  • The earthquake was a true catastrophe for the small town.
  • Failing the exam was a personal catastrophe for her.
doomsday

Suitable for contexts involving a predicted or ultimate end of the world, often used to evoke fear or urgency.

  • The scientist warned of a potential doomsday if climate change continued unchecked.
  • The film depicted a doomsday scenario where humanity struggled to survive.
Armageddon

Appropriate for describing a final, decisive battle or conflict, usually derived from biblical prophecy.

  • The leaders feared that the confrontation could turn into a modern-day Armageddon.
  • People discussed the potential for Armageddon given the escalating tensions between the two countries.

Examples of usage

  • The apocalypse in the movie depicted the complete destruction of civilization.
  • After the nuclear war, many feared that it was the beginning of the apocalypse.
  • The prophet predicted an apocalypse that would cleanse the world of sin.
  • The natural disasters seemed like a prelude to the apocalypse.
  • Survivors of the apocalypse struggled to rebuild society.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek 'apokalypsis', meaning 'revelation' or 'disclosure'.
  • Originally, it referred to the uncovering of hidden truths or the end of the world being revealed.

Religion

  • Many religions have their own stories about the apocalypse, often involving divine judgment and the end of current society.
  • In Christianity, the Book of Revelation describes a detailed vision of the end times and the final battle between good and evil.

Pop Culture

  • Numerous films and books explore apocalyptic themes, envisioning various scenarios like zombie outbreaks or natural disasters.
  • Iconic works include 'Mad Max' and 'The Road', which portray life in a world changed by catastrophic events.

Psychology

  • The concept of apocalypse can create feelings of fear and anxiety about the future.
  • It often reflects humanity's collective worries about climate change, nuclear war, and other existential threats.

Literature

  • The theme of impending disaster is prevalent in dystopian literature, a genre that critiques present societal issues.
  • Authors like Cormac McCarthy and Margaret Atwood explore how society and human relationships are tested in apocalyptic scenarios.

Translations

Translations of the word "apocalypse" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apocalipse

🇮🇳 महाप्रलय

🇩🇪 Apokalypse

🇮🇩 kiamat

🇺🇦 апокаліпсис

🇵🇱 apokalipsa

🇯🇵 黙示録

🇫🇷 apocalypse

🇪🇸 apocalipsis

🇹🇷 kıyamet

🇰🇷 종말

🇸🇦 نهاية العالم

🇨🇿 apokalypsa

🇸🇰 apokalypsa

🇨🇳 启示录

🇸🇮 apokalipsa

🇮🇸 apokalypse

🇰🇿 апокалипсис

🇬🇪 აპოკალიფსისი

🇦🇿 apokalips

🇲🇽 apocalipsis

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,763, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.