Apocalyptical

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Pertaining to the dramatic conclusion of existence or major upheaval
2. Connected to scenarios involving catastrophic destruction or the end times
3. Associated with events that signal widespread devastation or final judgment

Etymology: "Apocalyptical" is the older, less common variant of "apocalyptic." The base word comes from Greek "apokalypsis," meaning "uncovering" or "revelation," from "apo-" (away) plus "kalyptein" (to cover). The Greek sense was originally about lifting a veil, and the Book of Revelation, whose Greek title is "Apokalypsis Iōannou," gave the term its association with cosmic catastrophe and the end of the world. English took the word in the sense of prophetic revelation, and the adjective "apocalyptic" followed as a description of texts and visions concerned with the end of time. The form "apocalyptical," with the extra "-al" suffix, is an English addition, formed in the same way as "logical" or "physical," and it has been used alongside the shorter form for centuries. Over time the sense moved from the unveiling of hidden truths toward the destruction itself. Today the adjective is used for any event that feels like a total upheaval, such as a catastrophic storm, a financial collapse, or a sweeping political change, even when nothing literally ends.

Synonyms: catastrophic, disastrous, doomsday, end-time, prophetic

Antonyms: benign, peaceful, safe, secure, calm