armageddon
UK[ˌɑːməˈɡedn]US[ˌɑːrməˈɡedn]
n
(in the Bible) the final battle between good and evil at the end of the world.
n
A catastrophic and decisive conflict or confrontation, especially one on a very large scale.
Etymology
The word 'Armageddon' entered English via Greek and Latin translations of the Bible, specifically from the Book of Revelation. It is derived from the Hebrew "Har Megiddo," meaning "Mountain of Megiddo." Megiddo was an ancient city in Palestine, the site of many decisive historical battles, which imbued the location with a symbolic association with great conflict. Through its biblical usage, the term evolved from a literal geographical reference into a universal theological and secular metaphor for a final, cataclysmic battle or the ultimate end-of-the-world scenario.
Analysis
This is a loanword from Hebrew, adopted as a single, unsegmentable unit into English. It originates from the Hebrew place name "Har Megiddo" (Mount Megiddo).
Examples
The political scandal was described as an armageddon for the party's chances in the election.
Many fear that a nuclear war would lead to global armageddon.
In the film, the heroes unite to prevent an alien armageddon.