apocalypse

[ uh-pok-uh-lips ]
/ əˈpɒk ə lɪps /

noun

(initial capital letter) revelation(def 4).
any of a class of Jewish or Christian writings that appeared from about 200 b.c. to a.d. 350 and were assumed to make revelations of the ultimate divine purpose.
a prophetic revelation, especially concerning a cataclysm in which the forces of good permanently triumph over the forces of evil.
any revelation or prophecy.
any universal or widespread destruction or disaster: the apocalypse of nuclear war.

Origin of apocalypse

1125–75; Middle English < Late Latin apocalypsis < Greek apokálypsis revelation, equivalent to apokalýp(tein) to uncover, reveal ( apo- apo- + kalýptein to cover, conceal) + -sis -sis

Words nearby apocalypse

Example sentences from the Web for apocalypse

British Dictionary definitions for apocalypse (1 of 2)

apocalypse
/ (əˈpɒkəlɪps) /

noun

a prophetic disclosure or revelation
an event of great importance, violence, etc, like the events described in the Apocalypse

Word Origin for apocalypse

C13: from Late Latin apocalypsis, from Greek apokalupsis, from apokaluptein to disclose, from apo- + kaluptein to hide

British Dictionary definitions for apocalypse (2 of 2)

Apocalypse
/ (əˈpɒkəlɪps) /

noun

Bible (in the Vulgate and Douay versions of the Bible) the Book of Revelation

Cultural definitions for apocalypse

Apocalypse
[ (uh-pok-uh-lips) ]

Another name for the New Testament Book of Revelation; from the Greek word for “revelation.”

notes for Apocalypse

An “apocalypse” is a final catastrophe.

notes for Apocalypse

The Apocalypse is supposed to come at the end of the world or of time.