apollyon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareLiterary / Theological / Archaic
Quick answer
What does “apollyon” mean?
The name of the angel of the bottomless pit, synonymous with the Devil or Satan.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The name of the angel of the bottomless pit, synonymous with the Devil or Satan.
A metaphorical representation of a powerful destroyer or agent of ruin, often used in literary contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference; usage is equally rare and context-specific in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes archaic, religious, or highly literary imagery. Can imply a formidable, almost mythic, destructive force.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency outside of direct biblical reference or deliberate literary/poetic allusion.
Grammar
How to Use “apollyon” in a Sentence
Apollyon (as subject) + verb of destruction (e.g., 'Apollyon laid waste to the land').Prepositional phrase: 'like/from Apollyon'.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theological studies, biblical exegesis, and analyses of religious/mythopoetic literature (e.g., Bunyan's 'The Pilgrim's Progress').
Everyday
Extremely unlikely.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apollyon”
- Spelling it as 'Apollion' or 'Apolyon'.
- Using it as a common noun without capitalisation (e.g., 'an apollyon').
- Mispronouncing it with stress on the first syllable (e.g., /ˈæpəlɪən/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In mainstream Christian theology, Apollyon is identified as a demonic entity, often synonymous with Satan, specifically as the angel of the Abyss. However, some interpretations distinguish him as a high-ranking devil under Satan's command.
It comes directly from the Greek 'ἀπολλύων' (apollyōn), a present participle of the verb 'ἀπόλλυμι' (apollymi) meaning 'to destroy'. It is a translation of the Hebrew 'Abaddon' in the Book of Revelation.
It would be highly unusual and sound deliberately archaic or pretentious. Its use is confined to religious, historical, or literary discussions and creative writing aiming for a specific tone.
They are the same entity. 'Abaddon' is the Hebrew word (meaning 'destruction' or 'place of destruction'), and 'Apollyon' is the Greek translation (meaning 'the destroyer'), both found in Revelation 9:11.
The name of the angel of the bottomless pit, synonymous with the Devil or Satan.
Apollyon is usually literary / theological / archaic in register.
Apollyon: in British English it is pronounced /əˈpɒlɪən/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈpɑːliən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. Potential literary coinage: 'an Apollyon of (something)' meaning a devastating force of that thing.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A POLLYwog destroys the pond' → APOLLYON destroys.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESTRUCTION IS A PERSONAL AGENT.
Practice
Quiz
In John Bunyan's 'The Pilgrim's Progress', what is the nature of Christian's conflict with Apollyon?