annihilationism
1
9.9
The belief that people who do not live forever stop existing after death rather than suffer forever
- noun
- /əˌnaɪəˈleɪʃənɪzəm/
- Specialized
:
aniquilacionismo
- Many theologians debate the validity of annihilationism, which rejects the idea of eternal punishment.
Examples
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According to annihilationism, the wicked will be completely destroyed after death, rather than suffering forever.
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Another approach some take is called "annihilationism."
Blog text (34) -
Annihilationism teaches that those who do not receive eternal life will ultimately cease to exist.
How Common
Surface Forms
annihilationism singular
annihilationisms plural
Morphology
annihilationism = annihilation (transparent) = annihilation + ism
Formed from the noun 'annihilation' plus the productive suffix '-ism' indicating a doctrine or belief, so learners who know 'annihilation' and '-ism' can infer the meaning.
Etymology
Annihilationism comes from the verb annihilate, which means 'to make nothing', and the ending -ism, which means 'a belief'. So, annihilationism is the belief that some people will be completely destroyed and stop existing after death.