apocalyptic

Also a·poc·a·lyp·ti·cal

[uh-pok-uh-lip-tik]

adjective

1. of or like an apocalypse; affording a revelation or prophecy.

2. pertaining to the Apocalypse or biblical book of Revelation.

3. predicting or presaging imminent disaster and total or universal destruction.

   the apocalyptic vision of some contemporary writers.

Other Word Forms

• apocalyptically adverb
• postapocalyptic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of apocalyptic¹

1620–30; < Late Greek apokalýptikos, equivalent to apokalýpt ( ein ) to uncover, disclose ( apocalypse ) + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

The Swedish Academy in Stockholm credited Krasznahorkai “for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art.”

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While the evangelical followers of Presidents George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan occasionally deployed such apocalyptic language, Bush and Reagan themselves were careful to speak more ecumenically.

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The Hungarian author was recognised "for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art".

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Asked about the apocalyptic images in his work, he said: "Maybe I'm a writer who writes novels for readers who need the beauty in hell".

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The Swedish Academy honoured him "for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art."

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• ominous 
• prophetic