Apocalyptic

/əˌpɒklɪpˈtɪk/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
relating to or involving an apocalypse; foresight of catastrophic events, particularly in a religious or prophetic context.
The book depicted an apocalyptic scenario where humanity struggled to survive after a nuclear war.
of or resembling the end of the world; catastrophic and destructive.
The film presented an apocalyptic vision of a planet ravaged by climate change.
prophetic; forecasting disaster.
Many movements use apocalyptic rhetoric to describe their beliefs about the imminent end times.
revealing or predicting the destruction of the world.
The artist's work is filled with apocalyptic imagery that challenges viewers to reconsider their lifestyles.

Etymology

From the Late Latin 'apocalypticus', from Greek 'apokalyptikos', meaning 'pertaining to revelation'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

apocalyptic vision
A view or prediction regarding the end of the world or future calamities.
apocalyptic scenario
A hypothetical situation describing the end of the world or great disaster.
apocalyptic literature
Religious texts that reveal prophetic visions of the end times.

Related Words

apocalypse
The complete destruction or end of the world.
prophecy
A prediction about the future, often relating to significant events.

Slang Meanings

An overly dramatic situation or event.
The announcement about the new policy was so overblown it felt apocalyptic.
Relating to a situation that seems hopeless or doomed.
The state of the economy feels apocalyptic right now.