Apotheosis
/ˌæp.ə.ˈθiː.ə.sɪs/noun
The elevation of someone or something to divine status, or the highest point of development.
Did you know?In the ancient world, apotheosis was a real political and religious act: emperors could be officially declared divine after death, turning language itself into a tool of sacred authority.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰeh₁-
“to put, place, set”
Ancient Greek
Greek
theós
“god”
Ancient Greek
Greek
apótheōsis (ἀποθέωσις)
“deification; making into a god”
Late Latin
Latin
apotheosis
“deification, exaltation to divine rank”
16th Century
English
apotheosis
“deification; elevation to divine status”
Modern English
English
apotheosis
“the highest point of development or achievement”
Explore more surprising origins