# Armageddon

/ˌɑɹməˈɡɛdən/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/armageddon
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the end of the world

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

the final battle between good and evil at the end of the world.

For teachers: the prophesied location or event of the final battle between the forces of good and evil at the end of time.

- Many ancient stories describe a final Armageddon where the world is destroyed.
- Theological scholars have long debated whether Armageddon refers to a literal geographic location or a symbolic spiritual confrontation.

### 2. a massive disaster

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a huge disaster or conflict that seems like it could destroy everything.

For teachers: a catastrophic event or conflict on a massive scale that threatens total destruction.

- Scientists warned that a nuclear war would lead to a global Armageddon.
- Environmental activists often use the imagery of a climate Armageddon to emphasize the urgency of ecological preservation.

### 3. chess tie-breaker

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a special game of chess used to decide a winner when a match is tied.

For teachers: a tie-break game where White is granted more time but must win, while Black wins the match if the game ends in a draw.

- After four draws in a row, the championship was decided by an Armageddon game.
- The grandmaster chose the black pieces for the Armageddon round, banking on his ability to hold a draw under extreme time pressure.

Usage: Often used as a modifier, as in 'an Armageddon game'.

## Examples

- Some people fear that a nuclear war would lead to armageddon.
- Environmentalists warn that failing to address climate change could result in an ecological armageddon for future generations.
- The film depicts a post-apocalyptic landscape where survivors of a global armageddon struggle to rebuild society amidst the ruins of the old world.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.