Abaddon

noun

Abad·​don
ə-ˈba-dᵊn
plural -s
: a place of destruction : an underworld abode of lost souls : hell

Word History

Etymology

from Abaddon "the angel of the bottomless pit" (Revelation 9:11), going back to Middle English, borrowed from Late Latin, borrowed from Greek Abaddōn, borrowed from Hebrew 'ăbhaddōn, literally, "destruction"

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Abaddon was in 1583

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Abaddon

Cite this Entry

“Abaddon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Abaddon. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!