Apocalyptic: meaning, definitions and examples

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apocalyptic

 

[ əˌpɒk.əˈlɪp.tɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

describing a catastrophic event

Relating to or involving the complete destruction of the world; cataclysmic.

Synonyms

catastrophic, disastrous, doomsday

Examples of usage

  • The apocalyptic scene of the city in ruins after the earthquake.
  • The apocalyptic predictions of the prophet were coming true.
Context #2 | Adjective

relating to a prophetic revelation

Relating to or predicting the complete destruction of the world as described in the biblical book of Revelation.

Synonyms

biblical, eschatological, prophetic

Examples of usage

  • The apocalyptic visions of St. John in the Book of Revelation.
  • The apocalyptic imagery in religious artwork.

Translations

Translations of the word "apocalyptic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apocalíptico

🇮🇳 प्रलयंकारी

🇩🇪 apokalyptisch

🇮🇩 apokaliptik

🇺🇦 апокаліптичний

🇵🇱 apokaliptyczny

🇯🇵 黙示録的

🇫🇷 apocalyptique

🇪🇸 apocalíptico

🇹🇷 kıyamet

🇰🇷 묵시록의

🇸🇦 نهاية العالم

🇨🇿 apokalyptický

🇸🇰 apokalyptický

🇨🇳 世界末日的

🇸🇮 apokaliptičen

🇮🇸 heimsendisspá

🇰🇿 апокалиптикалық

🇬🇪 აპოკალიფსური

🇦🇿 apokaliptik

🇲🇽 apocalíptico

Word origin

The word 'apocalyptic' comes from the Greek word 'apokaluptein' meaning 'to uncover, reveal'. It has its roots in the Book of Revelation in the Bible, which foretells the end of the world. Over time, 'apocalyptic' has come to be used more broadly to describe any catastrophic event or prophetic revelation.

See also: apocalypticism.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,085, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.