Apocalypse
noun /əˈpɒk.ə.lɪps/ — A catastrophic event; the ultimate revelation
Definition
A catastrophic event causing destruction on a civilisational scale — or in its original meaning, a revelation or disclosure of hidden knowledge, particularly about the end of the world.
Beyond the definition
The word for the end that is also the revelation. The original apocalypse was not destruction but unveiling — the end reveals what was always true.
Origin & history
From Greek 'apokalypsis' (uncovering, revelation) — 'apo' (away from) + 'kalyptein' (to cover). To uncover, to reveal. The Book of Revelation is 'The Apocalypse' — the uncovering.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
Every generation believes it might be living through the apocalypse — which says something about the human need for significance.
The original apocalypse is not destruction but disclosure — the end reveals what the world was.
She described the film as apocalyptic not because of its violence but because of what it revealed.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Apocalypse” when the meaning fits your context: A catastrophic event causing destruction on a civilisational scale — or in its original meaning, a revelation or disclosure of hidden knowledge, particularly about the end of the world.
Synonyms
catastrophe, cataclysm, revelation, armageddon, end times
Antonyms
concealment, continuity
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Apocalypse" mean?
Apocalypse is noun meaning: A catastrophic event; the ultimate revelation. A catastrophic event causing destruction on a civilisational scale — or in its original meaning, a revelation or disclosure of hidden knowledge, particularly about the end of the world.
Where does the word "Apocalypse" come from?
From Greek 'apokalypsis' (uncovering, revelation) — 'apo' (away from) + 'kalyptein' (to cover). To uncover, to reveal. The Book of Revelation is 'The Apocalypse' — the uncovering.