Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Hell Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔥
Add to dictionary

hell

[hel ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

place of punishment

Hell is often described as a place of eternal punishment in many religious beliefs. It is believed to be a place where sinners go after death to suffer for their sins.

Synonyms

Hades, inferno, underworld.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
hell

Similar to 'hell', used to describe a place of eternal punishment in a religious sense or unbearable situations.

  • The wicked were believed to burn forever in hell.
  • Studying for exams was absolute hell.
underworld

Can refer to a mythological realm of the dead or, in a modern sense, to the world of organized crime and illegal activities.

  • Hades was the god of the underworld in Greek mythology.
  • The police are cracking down on the city's criminal underworld.
Hades

Refers specifically to the ancient Greek god of the underworld as well as the mythological underworld itself. It is used in literature or discussions about Greek mythology.

  • According to mythology, Hades ruled over the dead.
  • The story tells of Orpheus' journey into Hades to retrieve his lost love.
inferno

Typically used to describe a massive, uncontrollable fire or, metaphorically, an intense, chaotic situation. It has connotations of danger and destruction.

  • The forest fire quickly turned into an inferno.
  • After the scandal broke, the office was an inferno of gossip.

Examples of usage

  • According to some religions, those who commit evil deeds will end up in hell.
  • In Dante's Inferno, the poet describes the nine circles of hell where sinners are punished.
Context #2 | Noun

intense heat or fire

Hell can also refer to a state of extreme heat or fire. It is used metaphorically to describe very hot or uncomfortable conditions.

Synonyms

blaze, inferno, scorching.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
hell

This word was duplicated. Refer to the first entry for its context and examples.
inferno

Used to describe a very large and dangerous fire. It can also metaphorically describe a situation involving great destruction or chaos.

  • The forest fire turned into a raging inferno.
  • The battle turned the city into an inferno of destruction.
blaze

Describes a large, intense fire. It can also be used metaphorically to denote intense activity or emotion.

  • The firefighters struggled to put out the blaze.
  • Her eyes blazed with anger.
scorching

Used to describe extreme heat or to emphasize intense criticism or anger. It can have both literal and metaphorical applications.

  • The scorching summer heat was unbearable.
  • He gave her a scorching look of disdain.

Examples of usage

  • The desert was like hell, with the scorching sun beating down on us.
  • The kitchen felt like hell with all the ovens running at full blast.
Context #3 | Interjection

expressing strong emotions

Hell can be used as an interjection to express strong emotions such as anger, frustration, or surprise.

Synonyms

damn, darn, heck.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
hell

This word is often used to express strong emotions, such as anger, frustration, or surprise. It can also mean a place of great suffering and punishment in religious beliefs. Its use is generally informal and can be considered offensive.

  • What the hell are you doing?
  • Go to hell!
  • War is hell.
damn

This is used to express anger, surprise, or disappointment. It is also informal and often considered offensive. Additionally, 'damn' can be used to emphasize something.

  • Damn, I missed the bus!
  • Damn it!
  • This is a damn good pie.
darn

A mild version of 'damn', 'darn' is used in less formal settings and is not generally considered offensive. It is often used to express frustration or slight annoyance.

  • Oh, darn! I lost my keys.
  • Darn it!
  • Well, that’s a darn shame.
heck

This is a very mild exclamation used in place of 'hell'. It is suitable for use in informal situations where stronger language is not acceptable. It is not considered offensive.

  • What the heck are you thinking?
  • Heck, I’ll give it a try.
  • What the heck is going on here?

Examples of usage

  • Hell! I can't believe you did that!
  • Where the hell did I put my keys?

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Religious Beliefs

  • In Christianity, hell is often portrayed as a place of eternal fire and torment for the wicked.
  • In some religions, hell is not eternal but a temporary state for purification before entering a more peaceful afterlife.
  • In ancient Egyptian mythology, the goddess Ammut was said to devour the hearts of the unworthy, which is similar to the concept of hell.

Literature

  • Dante Alighieri's 'Inferno' describes various circles of hell, each corresponding to different sins and punishments.
  • John Milton's 'Paradise Lost' explores the fall of Satan and offers a profound reflection on the nature of hell and its inhabitants.
  • Many modern authors use hell as a metaphor for internal struggles or emotional pain, representing extreme conflict.

Pop Culture

  • Hell has been depicted in numerous movies and video games, often highlighting themes of redemption or punishment.
  • The phrase 'go to hell' is commonly used in popular culture to express anger or dismissal towards someone.
  • In television series, such as 'Supernatural', hell is reimagined as a complex realm with various characters and lore.

Psychology

  • The fear of hell, also known as 'hell anxiety', can affect individuals' mental health, prompting fear of divine punishment.
  • Many psychologists associate the concept of hell with guilt and moral responsibility, influencing behavior.
  • Studies show that beliefs about hell can impact ethical decision-making, with some individuals adjusting their behaviors to avoid punishment.

Origin of 'hell'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hell' comes from Old English 'hel', which was related to the word 'to hide'.
  • In Proto-Germanic, there was a similar word '*haljo', linked to the concept of the underworld.
  • Its usage has evolved through the centuries, but it generally signifies a realm of punishment or the afterlife.

The word 'hell' has its origins in Old English, where it was used to refer to the underworld or a place of the dead. Over time, it came to be associated with the concept of eternal punishment in Christianity and other religions. The word has evolved to also be used metaphorically to describe intense heat or fire. It is a word that carries strong emotional connotations and is often used to express extreme feelings. The history of the word 'hell' reflects humanity's fascination with the afterlife and the concept of punishment for wrongdoing.

See also: hellhole, hellish.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,348, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.