Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day: perdition

Episode Date: November 25, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski

Episode Overview

This episode explores the meaning, origin, and usage of the word perdition. Through definitions, literary references, and even a rock band lyric, Merriam-Webster’s expert host dives into how this word conjures images of damnation, destruction, and the eternal.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition & Usage

• Perdition is defined as a noun meaning "hell" or "the state of being in hell forever as punishment after death" (00:42).
• The word is usually used figuratively, to evoke ideas of utter destruction or ruin.

2. Modern Context

• The host illustrates the figurative use with a contemporary pop culture example:

  “Even coming from a band offering the cartoonish imagery of plastic horns and travel down the road to perdition.”
  — Peter Sokolowski, [01:18]

• This references AC/DC's use of irreverence and theatricality, suggesting the "road to perdition" as a tongue-in-cheek hellish journey in rock music rather than literal damnation.

3. Etymology & History

• Perdition entered English in the 14th century, borrowed from Anglo-French perdiccion, ultimately deriving from the Latin verb perdere, meaning "to destroy" (01:35).
• An early use corresponded more directly to "utter destruction":

  “Among the earliest meanings of perdition was, appropriately, utter destruction, as when Shakespeare wrote of the perdition of the Turkish fleet in Othello.”
  — Peter Sokolowski, [01:48]

• The older sense—total ruin or destruction—is now rare. Today, perdition is almost exclusively associated with eternal punishment or the religious concept of damnation (02:05).

4. Literary Reference

• The host notes a quote from Shakespeare’s Othello about “the perdition of the Turkish fleet” (01:50), showcasing how the word was used for destruction rather than only spiritual doom in older texts.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On perdition’s emotive power:

  “Perdition is a word that gives a darn and then some.”
  — Peter Sokolowski, [01:29]

• On shifting meanings:

  “Perdition is today used almost exclusively for eternal damnation, or the place where such destruction of the soul occurs.”
  — Peter Sokolowski, [02:05]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:42: Word of the Day introduction & definition of "perdition"
• 01:18: AC/DC example and figurative usage
• 01:35: Origin, etymology, and early meanings
• 01:48: Shakespeare reference illustrating historical usage
• 02:05: Current usage focused on eternal damnation
• 02:27: End of main content

Tone & Language

Peter Sokolowski maintains an informative but lively tone throughout, mixing scholarly insight with pop culture references to make the concept accessible. The word “perdition” is described as possessing both weight and a hint of theatrical flourish: “a word that gives a darn and then some.”

In Summary

This episode provides a rich, layered look at perdition—from its long journey through language and literature, to its present-day connotations of eternal doom. The engaging mix of etymology, literary allusions, and modern music references keeps the learning both memorable and spirited.