Götterdämmerung

noun Göt·ter·däm·mer·ung \ˌgə(r)-tər-ˈde-mə-ˌru̇ŋ, -ˈda-\

Definition of GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG

: a collapse (as of a society or regime) marked by catastrophic violence and disorder; broadly : downfall <the Götterdämmerung of Communism>

German, literally, twilight of the gods, from Götter (plural of Gott god) + Dämmerung twilight

First Known Use: 1909

Synonyms: decline, dégringolade, demise, descent, down, downfall, fall, flameout, comedown

Next Word in the Dictionary: gouPrevious Word in the Dictionary: gottenAll Words Near: Götterdämmerung

What made you want to look up Götterdämmerung? 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