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
- apocalyptically adverb
- postapocalyptic adjective
Etymology
Origin of apocalyptic
1620–30; < Late Greek apokalýptikos, equivalent to apokalýpt ( ein ) to uncover, disclose ( 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.
There are reasons to question the most apocalyptic forecasts.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026
Gen. William “Jerry” Boykin were apparent adherents to these apocalyptic beliefs.
From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026
Relentless storms and near‑constant rainfall – described as "apocalyptic" by one expert – have brought some of the South West's worst flooding in decades.
From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026
Still, the apocalyptic folk tales offer an irresistible fable for the times.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026
I clamped my palms to my ears and stretched up my lips and shrieked again: a stab at truth, a snatch at apocalyptic glee.
From "Grendel" by John Gardner
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.
