apotheosis

noun apo·the·o·sis \ə-ˌpä-thē-ˈō-səs, ˌa-pə-ˈthē-ə-səs\

: the perfect form or example of something

: the highest or best part of something

plural apo·the·o·ses\-ˌsēz\

Full Definition of APOTHEOSIS

: elevation to divine status : deification

: the perfect example : quintessence <this is the literary apotheosis of the shaggy dog story — Thomas Sutcliffe>

— apo·the·o·size \ˌa-pə-ˈthē-ə-ˌsīz, ə-ˈpä-thē-ə-\ transitive verb

See apotheosis defined for English-language learners

Late Latin, from Greek apotheōsis, from apotheoun to deify, from apo- + theos god

First Known Use: circa 1580

Synonyms: acme, quintessence, beau ideal, byword, classic, epitome, exemplar, ideal, perfection

Next Word in the Dictionary: apotomePrevious Word in the Dictionary: apotheoseAll Words Near: apotheosis

What made you want to look up apotheosis? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears