messiah

mes-si-ah · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (In Judaism) The promised deliverer of the Jewish nation prophesied in the Hebrew Bible.

  2. 2.

    (In Christianity) Jesus Christ, regarded as the Messiah of Hebrew prophecy and the savior of humanity.

  3. 3.

    A leader regarded as the savior of a particular cause, group, or country.

Forms

plural: messiahs

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    messiah complex — a psychological state in which a person believes they are destined to be a savior
  • •
    false messiah — a person who falsely claims to be a savior or deliverer

Related words

See also: christ, prophet, redeemer, savior
Synonyms: deliverer, liberator, redeemer, savior

Etymology

From Hebrew mashiach ("anointed one"), via Late Latin Messias and Greek Messias. The Hebrew word refers to one anointed with oil, a ceremony used to consecrate kings and priests.