Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Christianity) The adversary of Christ: In Christian theology, the Antichrist is a powerful, evil figure who opposes Christ and His teachings, as prophesied in the New Testament. This figure is often associated with a period of great tribulation before the Second Coming of Christ.
   • A person or force seen as opposing Christ or Christian principles: More broadly, the term can be used to describe any person or power viewed as a fundamental enemy of Christ, Christianity, or its core values.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Many early Christian writings warned believers to be vigilant for the coming of the Antichrist.
  • The preacher described the corrupt dictator as an antichrist for his persecution of the church.

Advanced Usage

• "the spirit of antichrist": A concept from the New Testament (1 John 4:3) referring to any teaching or influence that denies the fundamental truth about Jesus Christ.

  • The apostle John wrote that any spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is the spirit of antichrist.

• "antichrist" (lowercase): When not used as a proper name, it can refer to a false Christ or a person who sets themselves up in opposition to Christ.

  • The cult leader was denounced as an antichrist by mainstream religious authorities.

Variants and Related Words

• Antichristian (adj): Opposed to Christianity or its teachings.
  • The regime's antichristian policies led to the closure of many churches.

Synonyms

• Adversary: An opponent or enemy.
• False Christ: A deceiver who claims to be the Messiah.
• Beast: A symbolic term from the Book of Revelation often associated with the Antichrist figure.

Related Phrases

• "Man of Sin" / "Son of Perdition": Alternative biblical titles for the Antichrist figure (from 2 Thessalonians 2:3).
  • Theologians have debated the identity of the "Man of Sin" for centuries.

Noun

1. (Christianity) the adversary of Christ (or Christianity) mentioned in the New Testament; the Antichrist will rule the world until overthrown by the Second Coming of Christ