Apocalypticists

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A group of individuals who believe in or promote the idea of an impending catastrophic event leading to the end of the world
2. Followers of prophecies regarding significant transformative events that will lead to the ultimate destruction or renewal of civilization
3. Advocates of theories suggesting that a decisive and often violent upheaval is imminent, resulting in a profound change in human existence

Etymology: "Apocalypticists" is the plural of "apocalypticist", which is formed from "apocalyptic" plus the suffix "-ist", a person who holds or follows a particular doctrine. The base word traces back to the Greek "apokalyptein", meaning "to uncover" or "to reveal", from "apo-" (away) and "kalyptein" (to cover). The Greek noun "apokalypsis" gave English "apocalypse", a revelation, and the adjective "apocalyptic" grew from it. The suffix does the work here. "-ist" attaches to an adjective or noun to name a practitioner or adherent, so an apocalypticist is someone who takes up apocalyptic ideas as a creed. The plural form simply groups such people together, as in discussions of several movements or thinkers at once.

Synonyms: prophets, visionaries