apocalyptic
Americanadjective
-
of or like an apocalypse; affording a revelation or prophecy.
-
pertaining to the Apocalypse or biblical book of Revelation.
-
predicting or presaging imminent disaster and total or universal destruction.
the apocalyptic vision of some contemporary writers.
adjective
-
outstanding in revelation, prophecy, or significance
-
of or like an apocalypse
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of apocalyptic
1620–30; < Late Greek apokalýptikos, equivalent to apokalýpt ( ein ) to uncover, disclose ( see apocalypse) + -ikos -ic
Explanation
The lyrics of a popular song from the 1980’s by the band REM go, “It’s the end of the world as we know it.” This song’s tune may be catchy but the sentiment is rather apocalyptic — since it refers to the final destruction of the world. The base word of apocalyptic, apocalypse, means "ultimate doom." This scenario is most famously described in the Bible’s Book of Revelation, but the concept is used in reference to many extreme catastrophes. For example, the devastating conditions left behind after a hurricane or tornado has hit an area can be said to be apocalyptic. Often, this adjective is used for exaggeration, so you could also use apocalyptic to describe the bad haircut you just got.
Vocabulary lists containing apocalyptic
This Week in Words: December 2 - 8, 2017
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
This Week in Words: September 10 - 16, 2017
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Book Thief
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Apocalyptic, trending Afrofuturist, is the vibe here, in the presence of two silicone-cast human bodies that seem to be melting, and a monumental collage called “Imperial Strike” that catches a terrestrial Big Bang in progress.
From New York Times • Feb. 28, 2024
Apocalyptic moments come and go; and what we do in them matters.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2023
“At its worst, it divides and excludes,” said Alison McQueen, associate professor of political science at Stanford University and author of “Political Realism in Apocalyptic Times.”
From Washington Post • Mar. 16, 2023
Apocalyptic terrors have moved from the realm of fiction into the social fabric of everyday life.
From Salon • Mar. 5, 2023
Another gentleman is not surprised that Apocalyptic reading leads to a doubt of the "canonicity" of the book: it ought not to rest on church testimony, but on visible miracle.
From A Budget of Paradoxes, Volume II by Smith, David Eugene
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
