Definition

1. Noun:
   • A prophetic revelation, especially concerning a cataclysmic end of the world: An "apocalypse" is a disclosure or revelation of something hidden, typically of a prophetic nature about a dramatic, often catastrophic, end of the world or current era.
   • A great and final disaster; a cataclysmic event: In general use, an "apocalypse" refers to any event involving widespread destruction or catastrophic damage on a massive scale.
   • (Capitalized, "the Apocalypse"): The final book of the New Testament in the Christian Bible, also called the Book of Revelation, which contains prophetic visions of the end of the world and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Many ancient texts contain prophecies of an impending apocalypse.
  • The environmental report warned of a potential apocalypse if climate change is not addressed.
  • She is studying the symbolism in the Apocalypse of John.

Advanced Usage

• "Apocalyptic" (adjective): Describing something resembling or prophesying a world-ending disaster.
  • The movie featured apocalyptic scenes of a ruined city.
• "Apocalyptically" (adverb): In a manner resembling an apocalypse.
  • The forest fire spread apocalyptically fast.

Variants and Related Words

• Apocalypticism (n): The belief or doctrine that the world will end in a cataclysmic event.
• Post-apocalyptic (adj): Occurring or set in a time after a large-scale catastrophic event.
  • The novel is set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

Synonyms

• Cataclysm: A large-scale and violent event in the natural world.
• Doomsday: The last day of the world's existence; a time of catastrophic destruction.
• Revelation: A surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made known in a dramatic way. (Note: This is the direct translation of the Greek origin of "apocalypse".)

Related Phrases

• "Apocalypse now": A phrase, popularized by a film title, used to describe a sense of imminent or current catastrophic collapse.
  • With the constant news of crises, it feels like apocalypse now.

Related Idioms

• "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse": A term from the Book of Revelation symbolizing Conquest, War, Famine, and Death; often used metaphorically to describe a set of destructive forces.
  • Pandemic, economic collapse, war, and climate change—it felt like the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse had arrived.

Noun

1. the last book of the New Testament; contains visionary descriptions of heaven and of conflicts between good and evil and of the end of the world; attributed to Saint John the Apostle
2. a cosmic cataclysm in which God destroys the ruling powers of evil