annihilationism

[ uh-nahy-uh-ley-shuhn-iz-uhm ]

noun

, Theology.

1. the teaching or belief that the souls of the wicked or unrepentant will cease to exist after death or after the Last Judgment, rather than undergo eternal torment in hell.

Other Words From

• an·ni·hi·la·tion·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of annihilationism¹

First recorded in 1830–40; annihilation ( def ) + -ism ( def )

Example Sentences

This, beyond all question, gives a flat contradiction to annihilationism.

From Project Gutenberg

It completely demolishes two special heresies of the day, namely, universalism and annihilationism.

From Project Gutenberg