Definition of "apocalyptic" []

• Of or relating to an apocalypse. (adjective)
• Involving or portending widespread devastation or ultimate doom: "now speaks in apocalyptic terms about the probable conflict ahead” ( Financial Times). (adjective)
• Characterized by usually exaggerated predictions of or allusions to a disastrous outcome: "Stripped of its apocalyptic tone, what this amounts to is an advocacy of teaching names, dates and places by rote” ( Stefan Kanfer). (adjective)
• Of a revelatory or prophetic nature. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The term apocalyptic does come to mind, and that really isn't an overstatement."
• "People have used the word 'apocalyptic' and this is in no way a throwaway comment."
• "When the architects of wars definite their goals in apocalyptic terms, "fighting spirit" cannot possibly win them."