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Perdition Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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perdition

[pษ™หˆdษชสƒ(ษ™)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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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 Alighieriโ€™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.

Origin of 'perdition'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'perdition' has its origins in Latin, coming from the word 'perditio' meaning 'destruction' or 'loss'. It has been used in English since the 14th century, primarily in religious contexts to describe eternal damnation. Over time, its usage has expanded to also signify complete ruin or destruction in a broader sense.

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.