noun
Uncommon
apocalypse
uh-PO-kuh-lihps
Apocalypse (noun) means a massive, catastrophic event causing widespread destruction; the end of the world. Example: “The film imagines an apocalypse triggered by runaway artificial intelligence.”
noun
1
A massive, catastrophic event causing widespread destruction; the end of the world.
"The film imagines an apocalypse triggered by runaway artificial intelligence."
"Survivalists prepare supplies in case of some future apocalypse."
"The novel describes a frozen world after a global apocalypse, with few survivors left."
2
(capitalized, Apocalypse) The Book of Revelation in the Bible, describing the end times.
"Scholars debate how literally to read the Apocalypse."
"The preacher read a passage from the Apocalypse to the quiet congregation."
"The artist drew his dramatic images from the Apocalypse, the last book of the New Testament."
How to use apocalypse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA world-ending or civilization-ending disaster — or, originally, a religious revelation of hidden truths.
Common pairings
zombie apocalypse
nuclear apocalypse
bring about an apocalypse
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Word forms
- Plural
- apocalypses
- Third person singular
- apocalypses
- Past tense
- apocalypsed
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The film imagines an _____ triggered by runaway artificial intelligence.
Etymology
From Greek apokalypsis, "an uncovering or revelation," from apo- ("away") plus kalyptein ("to cover"). Its "end of the world" sense comes from the Book of Revelation, also called the Apocalypse.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “apocalypse” mean?
The word “apocalypse” means a massive, catastrophic event causing widespread destruction; the end of the world. In plain terms, a world-ending or civilization-ending disaster — or, originally, a religious revelation of hidden truths.
How do you pronounce “apocalypse”?
“Apocalypse” is pronounced uh-PO-kuh-lihps (/əˈpɑkəlɪps/ in IPA).
How do you use “apocalypse” in a sentence?
Here is “apocalypse” used in a sentence: “The film imagines an apocalypse triggered by runaway artificial intelligence.”
What part of speech is “apocalypse”?
“Apocalypse” is a noun.
Where does the word “apocalypse” come from?
The word “apocalypse” comes from Greek. From Greek apokalypsis, "an uncovering or revelation," from apo- ("away") plus kalyptein ("to cover"). Its "end of the world" sense comes from the Book of Revelation, also called the Apocalypse.
Is “apocalypse” a common word?
“Apocalypse” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “apocalypse” have?
“Apocalypse” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a massive, catastrophic event causing widespread destruction; the end of the world.
What is the difference between "apocalypse" and "Armageddon"?
"Apocalypse" broadly refers to a massive, catastrophic event causing widespread destruction or the end of the world, while "Armageddon" specifically names the final battle between good and evil described in the Book of Revelation. Armageddon is often used as a more specific, dramatic near-synonym of apocalypse.
When is "Apocalypse" capitalized?
"Apocalypse" is capitalized when it refers specifically to the Book of Revelation in the Bible, which describes the end times, but it is usually lowercase when used generally to mean a catastrophic, world-ending event.
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