apocalyptic

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Of or relating to an apocalypse

   Of or relating to an apocalypse:

   • Let him go and make, and burn, a pile or two [of bricks] with his own hands; he will thereby receive apocalyptic visions of a nature novel to his soul.
   • From beginning to end, and throughout, the Gospel makes such frequent use of apocalyptic motifs and the apocalyptic viewpoint that it deserves to be called the apocalyptic Gospel."
   • This was because apocalyptic stories — from the Greek word apohalupsis which means "reveal" — uses the vocabulary of symbols and numbers and contains concealed messages that secular listeners cannot comprehend.
2. 2

   Portending a future apocalypse (disaster, devastation, or doom).

   • Submissions on the part of gay teachers and students and organizations were countered by apocalyptic denunciations on the part of Bible-toting mothers and fathers expertly organized by the right.
   • Shortly after the publication of When Prophecy Fails, Hardyck and Braden (1962) investigated an apocalyptic group of Pentecostals to see if the failed apocalypse would result in enduring conviction and proselytization, but it did not.
3. 3

   Catachresis for apoplectic.

   • He was apocalyptically furious.
4. ›+ 1 more definitionshow fewer

   1. 4

      One who predicts apocalypse.

The neighborhood

• antonymnonapocalyptic