Meaning & Definition of word "Abyss"

Abyss

/əˈbɪs/

noun:

  • 1. A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm.
    • Example: The climbers peered into the abyss, unsure of how deep it truly was.
  • 2. An immeasurable gulf or great space.
    • Example: He felt like he was staring into the abyss of his own fears.
  • 3. A situation that is immeasurably profound, often relating to despair.
    • Example: The loss of her loved one left her feeling as if she had fallen into an emotional abyss.
  • 4. A void or a state of nothingness.
    • Example: 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

chasm:

A deep fissure in the earth, rock, or another surface.

void:

A completely empty space.

depth:

The distance from the top to the bottom of something.

Slang Meanings of abyss

Meaning: A state of extreme hopelessness.

Example Sentence: After losing his job, he felt like he was in an abyss.

Meaning: A difficult or dark situation.

Example Sentence: That deadline put me in the abyss!