Apocalypse — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ə-ˈpä-kə-ˌlips/ apoc·a·lypse

Meaning & Definition of Apocalypse

Apocalypse (noun)

  1. one of the Jewish and Christian writings of 200 b.c. to a.d. 150 marked by pseudonymity, symbolic imagery, and the expectation of an imminent cosmic cataclysm in which God destroys the ruling powers of evil and raises the righteous to life in a messianic kingdom
  2. revelation
  3. something viewed as a prophetic revelation

Apocalypse (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a sudden violent event that brings about great loss or destruction

    "the fear that the next global pandemic could be an apocalypse of biblical proportions"

    similar: calamity, cataclysm, catastrophe, debacle, disaster, tragedy
    related: bloodbath, collapse, crash, meltdown, Armageddon, doomsday, end-time, convulsion, paroxysm, upheaval, accident, casualty, fatality, misadventure, mischance, misfortune, mishap, blast, blow, double whammy, one-two
    near: godsend, manna, windfall

Related Entry: Revelation (noun)

Revelation is a different word from Apocalypse. The synonyms below are for revelation, not for apocalypse.

  1. the act or an instance of making known something previously unknown or concealed

    "the revelation of the movie star's secret marriage by the tabloids"

    "a new biography of the former president that contains several shocking revelations"

    similar: disclosure, divulgence, exposure
    related: bombshell, kick, kicker, surprise, acknowledgment, admission, avowal, concession, confession
    near: concealment, cover-up

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Apocalypse

The most common words with a similar meaning to Apocalypse:

calamity, cataclysm, catastrophe, debacle, disaster, tragedy

Related Words for Apocalypse

bloodbath, collapse, crash, meltdown, Armageddon, doomsday, end-time, convulsion, paroxysm, upheaval, accident, casualty, fatality, misadventure, mischance, misfortune, mishap, blast, blow, double whammy, one-two

Near Antonyms of Apocalypse

godsend, manna, windfall

Word Forms of Apocalypse

Inflections: apocalypses

Origin & Etymology of Apocalypse

Middle English Apocalipse "Revelation (the New Testament book)," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin apocalypsis "revelation, the Book of Revelation," borrowed from Greek apokálypsis "uncovering, disclosure, revelation," from apokalyp-, stem of apokalýptein "to uncover, disclose, reveal" (from apo- apo- + kalýptein "to cover, protect, conceal," of uncertain origin) + -sis -sis

First known use: before 12th century

Words & Phrases Containing Apocalypse

the apocalypse

Frequently Asked Questions about Apocalypse

What does "Apocalypse" mean?

"Apocalypse" means one of the Jewish and Christian writings of 200 b.c. to a.d. 150 marked by pseudonymity, symbolic imagery, and the expectation of an imminent cosmic cataclysm in which God destroys the ruling powers of evil and raises the righteous to life in a messianic kingdom. As a noun, it is defined as: one of the Jewish and Christian writings of 200 b.c. to a.d. 150 marked by pseudonymity, symbolic imagery, and the expectation of an imminent cosmic cataclysm in which God destroys the ruling powers of evil and raises the righteous to life in a messianic kingdom.

What is another word for "Apocalypse"?

Other words for "Apocalypse" include calamity, cataclysm, catastrophe, debacle, disaster and tragedy. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Apocalypse" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Apocalypse"?

There are 27 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Apocalypse". Common alternatives include calamity, cataclysm, catastrophe, debacle, disaster and tragedy.

How do you use "Apocalypse" in a sentence?

Examples of "Apocalypse" in a sentence: "the fear that the next global pandemic could be an apocalypse of biblical proportions".

Is "Apocalypse" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Apocalypse" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Apocalypse"?

"Apocalypse" is pronounced /ə-ˈpä-kə-ˌlips/ and divided into syllables as apoc·a·lypse.

What is the origin of the word "Apocalypse"?

"Apocalypse" comes from Middle English Apocalipse "Revelation (the New Testament book)," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin apocalypsis "revelation, the Book of Revelation," borrowed from Greek apokálypsis "uncovering, disclosure, revelation," from apokalyp-, stem of apokalýptein "to uncover, disclose, reveal" (from apo- apo- + kalýptein "to cover, protect, conceal," of uncertain origin) + -sis -sis. First known use: before 12th century.

What is another word for "Apocalypse" meaning "a sudden violent event that brings about great loss or destruction"?

When "Apocalypse" (noun) means a sudden violent event that brings about great loss or destruction, synonyms include calamity, cataclysm, catastrophe, debacle, disaster and tragedy.