Word
ragnarok
Phoneticsrag·narok
Definition
n. the end of the world in old Norse myths, when the gods fight giants in one last great battle. People also use it to mean a huge disaster that ends everything.
n. the prophesied final battle in Norse mythology in which the gods and their enemies destroy one another, ending the old world and allowing a new one to begin. By extension, any catastrophic final conflict or collapse.
Examples
“In Norse myths, Ragnarok ends the world of the gods.”
“The class learns how Ragnarok begins with a long winter and ends with a new world rising from the sea.”
“Scholars read Ragnarok not only as destruction but as renewal, a cycle in which fire and flood clear the way for surviving gods to rebuild.”
Examples
simple
“In Norse myths, Ragnarok ends the world of the gods.”
contextual
“The class learns how Ragnarok begins with a long winter and ends with a new world rising from the sea.”
complex
“Scholars read Ragnarok not only as destruction but as renewal, a cycle in which fire and flood clear the way for surviving gods to rebuild.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “ragnarok” in context.
Verb
01. avert ragnarok
“Odin seeks wisdom in vain to avert Ragnarok and save the gods.”
verb + noun
02. foretell ragnarok
“The seeress in Voluspa foretells Ragnarok in vivid, terrifying detail.”
verb + noun
03. ragnarok approaches
“As winter lengthens, Ragnarok approaches and the gods arm for battle.”
noun + verb
Adjective
04. apocalyptic ragnarok
“Critics described the finale as an apocalyptic Ragnarok for the modern age.”
adj + noun
05. impending ragnarok
“The warriors prepared solemnly for impending Ragnarok and their destined deaths.”
adj + noun
06. inevitable ragnarok
“Even Odin cannot escape inevitable Ragnarok foretold by the seeress.”
adj + noun
07. norse ragnarok
“Students studied Norse Ragnarok as the final battle between gods and giants.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. myth of ragnarok
“The myth of Ragnarok explores fate, courage and renewal after destruction.”
noun + prep + noun
09. prophecy of ragnarok
“The prophecy of Ragnarok predicts the deaths of Odin, Thor and Loki.”
noun + prep + noun
10. avert a financial ragnarok
“Central banks intervened swiftly to avert a financial Ragnarok.”
11. bring about ragnarok
“In the saga, Loki's treachery will bring about Ragnarok.”
12. face a modern ragnarok
“Editorials warned markets could face a modern Ragnarok after the crash.”
Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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