Agency Dictionary

Messiah

nounPronunciation: /məˈsaɪ.ə/

In Portuguese: Messias

Spirituality & Myth

What does “Messiah” mean?

A leader or savior regarded as the liberator or redeemer of an oppressed group. In cultural commentary, it metaphorically denotes an artist upon whom followers project salvation.

Etymology

From Biblical Hebrew mashiach (anointed one), from the verb mashach (to anoint). The word passed through Aramaic meshiha, then into Hellenistic Greek as Messias, then into Latin as Messias, reaching Middle English in the 14th to 15th centuries through scriptural translation. The modern spelling Messiah, closer to the Hebrew, became established in the 16th century.

Synonyms

savior
redeemer
deliverer
anointed one

Word family

messianic
messianism

Usage examples

Chester Bennington was a true messiah to me and to many, many, many, countless hundreds of millions of people, I know this in the same way that I know that rain makes things wet.

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Issue.14 - ZephyrApril 30, 2023Read the edition

Words of the same theme

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Synchronicitynoun: The simultaneous occurrence of events that appear meaningfully related yet lack a direct causal connection.
Self-immolationnoun: The deliberate destruction of oneself, typically by fire. In Archetype.0, self-immolation is the voluntary act by which the phoenix builds a nest of fragrant spices and woods, ignites itself and is consumed by the flames.
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Mjolnirnoun: In Norse mythology, the hammer of the god Thor, forged by dwarfs and known for its short handle. It is the weapon with which he defends gods and humans.
Agapenoun: A selfless, unconditional, and altruistic form of love often associated in theology with divine charity.
Alchemistnoun: A practitioner of alchemy, seeking to transmute base metals into noble elements and discover a universal cure.
Androgynenoun: A mythical primordial being uniting male and female characteristics in a single unified body.
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Decoctionnoun: The process of extracting soluble chemicals and active compounds from tough plant materials by continuous boiling in water.
Elixirnoun: A magical or medicinal potion believed capable of curing illnesses or conferring exceptional vitality.

Also from these editions: terms

Amalgamationnoun: The process of combining or uniting multiple distinct elements, genres, or organizations into a single coherent body. In music, it describes fusion between traditions.
Axiomnoun: A proposition or statement accepted as true without proof, serving as a premise for further reasoning. In logic, it forms the foundation of deductive systems.
Catharticadjective: Providing psychological relief through the open expression and release of strong or repressed emotions.
Deflectornoun: A device or shield designed to redirect the path of an oncoming particle, projectile, or beam of energy. In science fiction, it denotes protective barriers.
Dichotomynoun: A division or contrast between two things that are represented as entirely opposed or mutually exclusive. In cultural discourse, it often oversimplifies multifaceted realities.
Hermeneuticsnoun: The branch of knowledge that deals with interpretation, especially of literary texts and philosophical works. It examines how meaning is mediated through linguistic context.
Hiatusnoun: A pause or gap in a sequence, activity, or series of creative works. In the music industry, it denotes an indefinite period where a group halts collaborative production.
Incongruousadjective: Not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something. In artistic critique, it denotes striking dissonance between tone and theme.
Shrapnelnoun: Fragments of a bomb, shell, or other object thrown out by an explosion. In narrative storytelling, it symbolizes the sudden traumatic scatter of destructive forces.
Steadfastadjective: Resolutely firm and unwavering in purpose, loyalty, or moral direction. In aesthetic philosophy, it characterizes an uncompromising dedication to truth.
Zephyrnoun: A light, gentle, and refreshing breeze that carries pleasant warmth or seasonal change. In literary usage, it symbolizes gentle inspiration and restorative movement.