kenosis

noun

ke·​no·​sis kə-ˈnō-səs How to pronounce kenosis (audio)
kē-
: the relinquishment of divine attributes by Jesus Christ in becoming human
kenotic adjective

Examples of kenosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Can Amor’s loving, self-sacrificial kenosis offer a feasible political model? James Wood, The New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Late Greek kenōsis, from Greek, action of emptying, from kenoun to purge, empty, from kenos empty

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kenosis was in 1873

Dictionary Entries Near kenosis

Cite this Entry

“Kenosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kenosis. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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