Abyss

/əˈbɪs/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm.
The climbers peered into the abyss, unsure of how deep it truly was.
An immeasurable gulf or great space.
He felt like he was staring into the abyss of his own fears.
A situation that is immeasurably profound, often relating to despair.
The loss of her loved one left her feeling as if she had fallen into an emotional abyss.
A void or a state of nothingness.
After the accident, he described his mind as a blank abyss, devoid of thoughts.

Etymology

From the Greek word 'abyssos', meaning 'bottomless'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

staring into the abyss:
Confronting a profound or frightening situation, often leading to despair.
the abyss of despair:
A deep state of hopelessness or sorrow.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

A state of extreme hopelessness.
After losing his job, he felt like he was in an abyss.
A difficult or dark situation.
That deadline put me in the abyss!