Babylon

Bab-y-lon · proper_noun

imported

Definitions

proper_noun

  1. 1.

    An ancient city in Mesopotamia, located in present-day Iraq, capital of the Babylonian Empire.

  2. 2.

    (Biblical/figurative) A place of sin, corruption, or exile; any wealthy, materialistic city viewed negatively.

  3. 3.

    (Rastafarian) The Western establishment, government, or police, seen as oppressive forces.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Babylonian captivity — The exile of Jews to Babylon (6th century BCE).
  • •
    Whore of Babylon — Biblical symbol of decadence and sin.
  • •
    by the rivers of Babylon — Biblical phrase of exile and longing.

Related words

See also: Mesopotamia, ancient, empire

Etymology

From Akkadian Bab-ilim ("Gate of God" or "Gate of the Gods"), through Greek Babylōn and Latin Babylon.