Big Rip

noun

astronomy

: a hypothetical cosmological event in which all matter in the universe loses cohesion and which is posited to be a possible fate of the universe if the outward acceleration of matter continues

If the amount of dark energy increases with time, the future will be spectacular. The disruptive force would begin by tearing galaxies apart, then stars, and then—planets and any people who are around at the time. This scenario is the Big Rip.

—James Trefil

compare big bang, big crunch

Word History

First Known Use

2003, in the meaning defined above