Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Juggernaut Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿš›
Add to dictionary

juggernaut

[หˆdส’สŒษกษ™rnษ”หt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

massive force

A juggernaut is a huge, powerful, and overwhelming force or institution, often used to describe something that cannot be stopped. The term commonly refers to a large, destructive vehicle or a force that crushes everything in its path.

Synonyms

behemoth, colossus, force, monster.

Examples of usage

  • The new tech company became a juggernaut in the industry.
  • The football team was a juggernaut, defeating every opponent easily.
  • Environmental issues became a juggernaut that governments couldn't ignore.
  • The juggernaut of globalization has reshaped economies worldwide.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The word gained popularity in the 19th century through literature, notably in Thomas Carlyle's works where it depicted unstoppable forces.
  • In literature, it's often used to describe campaigns, governments, or corporations that dominate and obliterate opposition.

Pop Culture

  • In modern media, 'juggernaut' often describes powerful entities, like a major corporation or a blockbuster film that dominates ticket sales.
  • The Marvel Comics character Juggernaut is a supervillain known for his unstoppable strength and momentum.

Psychology

  • The concept can represent psychological forces that drive individuals to pursue goals, like ambition or competition, to the detriment of others.
  • In debates, an idea can become a juggernaut when it gains overwhelming support, overshadowing opposing viewpoints.

Science and Technology

  • In technology, it can refer to software or systems that become so dominant in a market that competition struggles to keep up.
  • Historically, juggernaut effects are studied in physics to describe large forces acting upon smaller objects in motion.

Origin of 'juggernaut'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Hindi word 'Jagannath', which refers to a deity whose enormous chariot was paraded during festivals.
  • In English, it originally described the massive chariot of Jagannath used in religious processions, symbolizing overwhelming power.

The term 'juggernaut' originated from the early 14th century, derived from the Sanskrit word 'Jagannฤtha', which means 'Lord of the Universe'. This name refers to a deity worshipped in the Hindu religion, particularly in the region of Puri, where a massive chariot bearing the idol is pulled during an annual festival. The sheer size and weight of the chariot, along with the fervor of the crowds, led to the term being associated with a powerful force that could not be resisted. As it made its way to the English language through trade and travel, the meaning evolved to describe any enormous, unstoppable force or entity, particularly in contexts like industry, politics, or culture.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,575 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.