Apocalyptic vision
Meaning
A powerful, often disturbing mental image or prophecy of a future cataclysm or the end of the world.
Origin
The chilling phrase "apocalyptic vision" has roots firmly planted in ancient Greek, where "apokalypsis" simply meant "unveiling" or "revelation." It was in this spirit that the last book of the Christian New Testament, "The Apocalypse of John"—more commonly known as the Book of Revelation—was penned. This scripture unveils a series of terrifying and symbolic prophecies concerning the end of the world, divine judgment, and a new creation. The text's vivid, often disturbing, imagery of plagues, beasts, and cataclysms imprinted the concept of a devastating final revelation into Western consciousness. From this foundational text, any profound, often grim, prophecy or mental image of ultimate destruction or a catastrophic future came to be known as an "apocalyptic vision," carrying with it the weight of ancient prophecy and imminent doom.
Examples
- The environmental scientist presented an apocalyptic vision of the planet's future if carbon emissions are not drastically reduced.
- After losing everything in the fire, he described his despair as an apocalyptic vision of his entire life crumbling.