abyss

a-byss · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm or void.

  2. 2.

    A wide or profound difference between people or things.

  3. 3.

    (Figurative) A catastrophic or desperate situation.

  4. 4.

    (Theology) The bottomless pit of hell.

Forms

plural: abysses

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    stare into the abyss — To confront a terrifying or overwhelming situation.
  • •
    on the brink of the abyss — On the verge of disaster.
  • •
    abyss gazes back — Reference to Nietzsche's warning about the dangers of confronting evil.

Related words

Antonyms: height, peak, summit
See also: abyssal, chasm, depths, void
Synonyms: chasm, depths, gulf, pit, void

Etymology

From Late Latin abyssus ("bottomless pit"), from Greek ἄβυσσος (ábyssos, "bottomless"), from ἀ- (a-, "without") + βυσσός (byssós, "bottom").