resurrection

noun

res·​ur·​rec·​tion ˌre-zə-ˈrek-shən 

1

a

capitalized : the rising of Christ from the dead

b

often capitalized : the rising again to life of all the human dead before the final judgment

c

: the state of one risen from the dead

2

: resurgence, revival

3

Christian Science : a spiritualization of thought : material belief that yields to spiritual understanding

resurrectional

ˌre-zə-ˈrek-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Did you know?

Resurrection comes from Anglo-French resurreccioun. Originally, the word was used in Christian contexts to refer to the rising of Christ from the dead or to the festival celebrating this rising (now known as Easter). The word eventually began to be used more generally in the senses of "resurgence" or "revival." Its Latin root, surgere, means "to rise."

Synonyms

• reanimation
• rebirth
• regeneration
• rejuvenation
• rejuvenescence
• renewal
• resurgence
• resuscitation
• revitalization
• revival
• revivification

Examples of resurrection in a Sentence

He was enjoying the resurrection of his career.

a resurrection of an old theory

Recent Examples on the Web

Get the Recipe 07 of 16 Resurrection Rolls These old-fashioned sweet rolls are perfect for making with kiddos during the Easter season, as it is meant to tell the story of Jesus’ burial and resurrection. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025

Orion faced years of delays when NASA’s Constellation program was canceled, before finding resurrection as part of Artemis. —Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025

Social media reactions to Duo's resurrection and confession were mixed. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 26 Feb. 2025

Working in tandem with their teammates and utilizing each of their different abilities (like healing, shielding, or resurrection) wisely can keep players alive even when the odds are against them. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English resurreccioun, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin resurrection-, resurrectio act of rising from the dead, from resurgere to rise from the dead, from Latin, to rise again, from re- + surgere to rise — more at surge

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing resurrection

• post-resurrection
• the resurrection

Rhymes for resurrection

• circumspection
• disaffection
• disconnection
• disinfection
• dorsiflexion
• imperfection
• indirection
• insurrection
• intellection
• interjection
• intersection
• introjection

Kids Definition

resurrection

noun

res·​ur·​rec·​tion ˌrez-ə-ˈrek-shən 

1

a

capitalized : the rising of Jesus from the dead

b

often capitalized : the rising again to life of all the human dead before the final judgment

2

: resurgence, revival

resurrectional

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective