juggernaut

noun

jug·​ger·​naut ˈjə-gər-ˌnȯt 

-ˌnät

1

: a massive inexorable force, campaign, movement, or object that crushes whatever is in its path

an advertising juggernaut

a political juggernaut

2

chiefly British : a large heavy truck

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The History of Juggernaut

In the early 14th century, Franciscan missionary Friar Odoric brought to Europe the story of an enormous carriage that carried an image of the Hindu god Vishnu (whose title was Jagannath, literally, "lord of the world") through the streets of India in religious processions. Odoric reported that some worshippers deliberately allowed themselves to be crushed beneath the vehicle's wheels as a sacrifice to Vishnu. That story was likely an exaggeration or misinterpretation of actual events, but it spread throughout Europe. The tale caught the imagination of English listeners, and they began using juggernaut to refer to any massive vehicle (such as a steam locomotive) and to any other enormous entity with powerful crushing capabilities.

Synonyms

• bandwagon
• blitz
• campaign
• cause
• crusade
• drive
• movement
• push

Examples of juggernaut in a Sentence

there was no escaping the juggernaut of hype for the studio's biggest summer blockbuster

Recent Examples on the Web

On Saturday during the 77th annual WGA Awards, the multi-hyphenate hit-making TV juggernaut reflected on the divisive state of the nation and how the current media landscape go hand in hand. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2025

Barring an upset by a very capable Fremont-Oakland team, the two juggernauts from Alameda County’s biggest city should once again duke it out in the postseason. —Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025

Smith feels like the closest comparison since that Ohio State team was considered a juggernaut all season only to gain just 82 total yards (yes, 82) in a 41-14 loss to Florida. —Stewart Mandel, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025

Both sides have struggled with persistent issues – particularly injuries – this season, evident from the fact that both juggernauts need this playoff to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League. —Ben Church, CNN, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Hindi Jagannāth, literally, lord of the world, title of Vishnu

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 2