English · Word Candidate

apocalypse

/əˈpɒkəlɪps/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: apocalypses · apocalypsing · apocalypsed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A revealing, especially a prophecy of, or the unfolding of, supernatural events.

Noun

Examples

The early development of Perl 6 was punctuated by a series of apocalypses by Larry Wall.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A huge disaster; a cataclysmic event; destruction or ruin of large scope and scale.

Noun

Examples

Near-synonyms: cataclysm, catastrophe, holocaust; armageddon, doomsday, end times, eschaton, judgement day, judgment day

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To reveal.

Verb

Examples

The transitory sufferings of the present time can never be put in competition with the glory which shall be apocalypsed in us; for even the creation itself, which shall not possess the glory, shall nevertheless derive from them such real solid benefit, such true freedom from real ills, that she also

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “apocalypse” mean?

A revealing, especially a prophecy of, or the unfolding of, supernatural events.

Is “apocalypse” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.