Juggernaut
/ˈdʒʌɡ.ər.nɔːt/noun
A large, powerful, and overwhelming force or institution.
Did you know?The term originates from the Hindu festival of Rath Yatra, where a massive chariot carrying the deity Jagannath would roll through the streets, often leading to the belief that devotees could be crushed under its wheels as a form of divine sacrifice.
Etymological Timeline
Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Jagannātha
“Lord of the Universe, a title for the Hindu deity Krishna.”
14th Century
Old French
jogernot
“A corrupted form referring to the enormous chariot of Jagannath.”
16th Century
Latin
Juggernaut
“Adopted directly from the Old French, referring to the same deity's chariot.”
17th Century
English
Juggernaut
“Used to describe any overwhelming force, often in a destructive context.”
Modern English
English
Juggernaut
“A figurative term for an unstoppable force or institution.”