antichrist
UK[ˈæntɪkraɪst]US[ˈæntiˌkraɪst, ˈæntaɪˌkraɪst]
n
(in Christian belief) the great enemy of Christ, expected to appear before the end of the world.
n
A person or force seen as opposing Christ or his teachings.
Morpheme Breakdown
anti
christ
anti
against
christ
the anointed one,
Etymology
The word "antichrist" is a compound formed directly within Old English ("antecrist") from ecclesiastical Latin and ultimately Greek components. The Greek prefix "anti-" carried the core meaning of "against, opposite, in place of," while "Christos" meant "anointed," the translation of the Hebrew "Messiah." In its earliest theological use in the New Testament epistles of John, the term described not one singular apocalyptic figure but anyone who denies the Father and the Son. Over centuries of Christian eschatology, the concept evolved and solidified, with "Antichrist" becoming the proper name for the ultimate archetypal adversary and counterfeit of Christ, embodying a powerful opposition that is both personal and ideological.
Analysis
Structure: anti (against) + christ
- anti: From Greek, via Latin and Old English. A prefix meaning "against, opposite, rivaling."
- christ: From Greek, via Latin and Old English. A noun meaning "the anointed one," specifically Jesus of Nazareth.
Examples
The medieval prophecies often identified various political figures as the Antichrist.
Some extremist groups label anyone who disagrees with their interpretation as an antichrist.
The concept of the Antichrist is a central element in many works of apocalyptic literature.