end-times
UK[ˈend taɪmz]US[ˈend taɪmz]
n
The final period of the world's existence, especially as described in apocalyptic religious prophecies.
Morpheme Breakdown
end
times
end
conclusion
times
periods
Etymology
The compound noun "end-times" is a modern theological term constructed from two foundational Germanic words. "End" traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root ant-, meaning 'front, forehead', which intriguingly evolved in Germanic to signify the opposite boundary or extremity. "Time" derives from the Proto-Indo-European dā-, 'to divide', leading to concepts of measured periods. The fusion of these elements in English creates a literal meaning of 'concluding periods', which was specifically applied within Judeo-Christian eschatology to denote the prophesied final epoch of human history, characterized by turmoil and divine judgment, before a new age begins.
Analysis
Structure: end (conclusion) + times (periods)
- end: From Old English 'endian', meaning 'to come to a conclusion, finish'. Its functional role is as the core noun meaning 'the final part'.
- times: From Old English 'tīma', meaning 'a limited period or season'. Its functional role is as a plural noun indicating specific periods or eras.
Examples
Many believers study scripture for signs of the approaching end-times.
The concept of the end-times is central to apocalyptic literature.
Discussions about climate change sometimes carry an undertone of secular end-times anxiety.