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Perdition: meaning, definitions and examples

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perdition

 

[pəˈdɪʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

eternal punishment

Perdition refers to the state of eternal punishment or damnation, often associated with religious beliefs. It signifies a place or condition of final punishment for the wicked or unrepentant.

Synonyms

damnation, damnation, hell.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
perdition

Same as the first entry for 'perdition', this word is used in literary and religious contexts to describe eternal punishment.

  • He felt his soul slipping into perdition.
  • The sinners faced eternal perdition.
damnation

Damnation typically refers to being condemned to suffer eternally after death, often used in religious discourse or to express strong disapproval.

  • The preacher spoke passionately about the damnation of sinners.
  • Her actions would lead to her damnation, he warned.
hell

Hell can refer to a place of eternal suffering in many religions, but it is also used in everyday language to describe extremely unpleasant situations. While it can be a strong term, it is commonly used.

  • He believes that evildoers will end up in hell.
  • This job is absolute hell.

Examples of usage

Context #2 | Noun

complete ruin or destruction

Perdition can also refer to a state of complete ruin or destruction. It denotes a situation where everything is lost or irreparable.

Synonyms

destruction, ruin, ruination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
perdition

Often used in religious or moral contexts to describe a state of eternal damnation or spiritual loss.

  • The preacher warned sinners about the path that leads to perdition.
  • Fear of perdition drove him to seek repentance.
ruin

Indicates a state of falling apart or devastation, can be used for physical structures or metaphorically for lives or plans.

  • The ancient castle lay in ruins after centuries of neglect.
  • His reckless actions led to his financial ruin.
destruction

General term for complete destruction or damage, often physical but can also be metaphorical.

  • The earthquake caused the destruction of the city.
  • Her harsh words led to the destruction of their friendship.
ruination

Similar to 'ruin' but often used in a more emotional or dramatic context.

  • The betrayal marked the ruination of their once strong bond.
  • His addictions were the ruination of his promising career.

Examples of usage

  • The war left the city in a state of perdition, with buildings destroyed and lives lost.
  • The economic collapse led to the perdition of many businesses and families.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'perdition' comes from the Latin word 'perditio', which means lost or destroyed.
  • It has been used in the English language since the 14th century, often in religious contexts to denote eternal damnation.
  • The prefix 'per-' indicates thoroughness, while 'ditio' suggests giving, leading to the idea of being totally given over to loss.

Literature

  • In John Milton's epic poem 'Paradise Lost', perdition is portrayed as the ultimate consequence faced by those who defy God's will.
  • Dante Alighieri’s 'Inferno' describes realms of perdition where souls suffer the consequences of their earthly actions.
  • The word appears frequently in Gothic literature, expressing themes of despair and moral decline.

Philosophy

  • The concept of perdition often intersects with discussions about morality, free will, and the consequences of choices.
  • Philosophers debate whether perdition is a physical reality or a psychological state reflecting a person's internal struggles.
  • Existentialists might view perdition as a metaphor for the human condition, highlighting feelings of abandonment and despair.

Pop Culture

  • Perdition has appeared in various modern films and books, often as a metaphor for characters facing dire consequences.
  • The term features in song lyrics, where it evokes feelings of loss, desperation, and emotional turmoil.
  • Video games sometimes use the concept of perdition to represent levels or areas where characters face extreme challenges or moral choices.

Theology

  • In Christian theology, perdition is often associated with eternal punishment in Hell, signifying separation from God.
  • Different denominations interpret perdition variably, affecting how followers understand salvation and morality.
  • The idea of being in perdition serves as a warning in many religious texts, encouraging adherents to live virtuously.

Translations

Translations of the word "perdition" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perdição

🇮🇳 नरक

🇩🇪 Verderben

🇮🇩 kehancuran

🇺🇦 загибель

🇵🇱 zagłada

🇯🇵 破滅

🇫🇷 perdition

🇪🇸 perdición

🇹🇷 mahvoluş

🇰🇷 파멸

🇸🇦 هلاك

🇨🇿 záhuba

🇸🇰 záhuba

🇨🇳 毁灭

🇸🇮 poguba

🇮🇸 glötun

🇰🇿 құру

🇬🇪 დასასრული

🇦🇿 həlakət

🇲🇽 perdición

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,829, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.