Apocalypse


(initial capital letter) (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 of the ultimate divine purpose.
a prophetic , especially concerning a cataclysm in which the forces of good permanently triumph over the forces of evil.
any or prophecy.
any universal or widespread destruction or disaster:
the apocalypse of nuclear war.
Contemporary Examples

But the family remained tight-knit, and the kids frequently visited their father on set when he made films like apocalypse Now.
Will Sheen’s Family Save Him? Jacob Bernstein, Nicole LaPorte October 27, 2010

His late colleague Jerry Falwell said Jan. 1, 2000, would mark the apocalypse, then changed his prediction to 2006.
How to Prepare for December 21, 2012? Preppers Weigh In Andrew Carter December 20, 2012

“A surefire way to get followers to your cult is to talk about the apocalypse,” he explains nonchalantly.
The Craziest Religions Benyamin Cohen July 23, 2010

But the apocalypse that cable television had been trumpeting had failed to materialize.
A Hurricane of Hype Howard Kurtz August 27, 2011

His conclusion was that this was a rare but not unprecedented natural occurrence, and certainly not a sign of the apocalypse.
Benjamin Franklin, America’s First Storm Chaser Lee Sandlin April 13, 2013

Historical Examples

We have never been called, almost, to the consideration of the apocalypse, without finding fresh reasons for our opinion.
Five Hundred Mistakes of Daily Occurrence in Speaking, Pronouncing, and Writing the English Language, Corrected Anonymous

It is the prophet’s message to his fellow men, the apocalypse of the seer.
The Enjoyment of Art Carleton Noyes

The interpretations of the apocalypse may be divided into four classes.
The Literature and History of New Testament Times J. Gresham (John Gresham) Machen

Croly, in his new interpretation of the apocalypse, holds the following language.
Fox’s Book of Martyrs John Foxe

But that worthy, after looking at his wife in vain for a cue, darted off about the trumpets of the apocalypse.
The End Of The World Edward Eggleston

noun
a prophetic disclosure or revelation
an event of great importance, violence, etc, like the events described in the Apocalypse
noun
(Bible) (in the Vulgate and Douay versions of the Bible) the Book of Revelation
n.

late 14c., “revelation, disclosure,” from Church Latin apocalypsis “revelation,” from Greek apokalyptein “uncover, disclose, reveal,” from apo- “from” (see apo-) + kalyptein “to cover, conceal” (see Calypso). The Christian end-of-the-world story is part of the revelation in John of Patmos’ book “Apokalypsis” (a title rendered into English as “Apocalypse” c.1230 and “Revelations” by Wyclif c.1380).

Its general sense in Middle English was “insight, vision; hallucination;” meaning “a cataclysmic event” is modern. As agent nouns, apocalypst (1829), apocalypt (1834), and apocalyptist (1835) have been tried.
Apocalypse [(uh-pok-uh-lips)]

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

Note: An “apocalypse” is a final catastrophe.

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

the Greek name of the Book of Revelation (q.v.).

Read Also:

  • Apocalyptic

    of or like an ; affording a revelation or prophecy. pertaining to the or biblical book of Revelation. predicting or presaging imminent disaster and total or universal destruction: the apocalyptic vision of some contemporary writers. Contemporary Examples So far probably the best would be a class in apocalyptic literature. Junot Díaz: How I Write Noah […]

  • Apocalyptical

    of or like an ; affording a revelation or prophecy. pertaining to the or biblical book of Revelation. predicting or presaging imminent disaster and total or universal destruction: the apocalyptic vision of some contemporary writers. Historical Examples Hildegarde replied in an obscure, apocalyptical language: “In the mysteries of the true wisdom have I seen and […]

  • Apocalyptically

    of or like an ; affording a revelation or prophecy. pertaining to the or biblical book of Revelation. predicting or presaging imminent disaster and total or universal destruction: the apocalyptic vision of some contemporary writers. Contemporary Examples Some apocalyptically minded Christians read this as a description of current events. Sorry, Evangelicals, Syria Will Not Spur […]

  • Apocalypticism

    any doctrine concerning the end of the temporal world, especially one based on the supposed prophetic passages in the Revelation of St. John the Divine. the millennial doctrine of the Second Advent and personal reign of Jesus Christ on earth.

  • Apocalyptist

    a writer of literature. a person who adheres to the teachings of literature concerning the signs and events preceding the end of the world. a person who holds to any teachings that predict a catastrophic end to the world.


Disclaimer: Apocalypse definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.