Juggernaut Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈdʒʌɡərnɔt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A massive, powerful, and overwhelming force or institution that cannot be stopped or defeated, often used to describe a dominant or unstoppable entity.

Examples

• The company became a juggernaut in the tech industry.
• The new policy has created a juggernaut of bureaucratic red tape.

Synonyms

• Force
• Powerhouse

Antonyms

• Weakling
• Underdog

Additional Information

The term juggernaut originates from the Hindi word “jagannāth,” meaning “lord of the world.” It was initially used to describe a massive wagon or chariot bearing an idol of the god Vishnu in Indian festivals. Over time, the term evolved to describe any powerful or overwhelming force.

In modern usage, the term is often used metaphorically to describe a dominant entity, such as a company, a policy, or even a person, that appears unstoppable or overwhelming. The concept of a juggernaut is often associated with ideas of momentum, power, and inevitability.

Etymology

The word juggernaut comes from the Hindi word “jagannāth,” meaning “lord of the world.” It was adopted into English in the 17th century, initially referring to a massive wagon or chariot bearing an idol of the god Vishnu in Indian festivals.

Usage Notes

The term juggernaut is often used in a metaphorical sense to describe a dominant or overwhelming entity. It can be used to convey a sense of power, momentum, and inevitability. However, it’s essential to use the term accurately, avoiding hyperbole or exaggeration.

Cultural References

• The X-Men comic book series features a character called Juggernaut, a super-powered villain.
• The term has been used in various songs, including “Juggernaut” by Wale and “Juggernaut” by Pvris.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Unstoppable juggernaut”: A force or entity that cannot be stopped or defeated.
• “Runaway juggernaut”: A situation or process that is out of control and unstoppable.

Related Words or Phrases

• Force majeure
• Unstoppable force

Collocations

• Juggernaut of change
• Juggernaut of innovation

Frequency of Use

The term juggernaut is moderately common in modern language, often used in business, politics, and pop culture to describe dominant or overwhelming entities.

Common Misspellings

• Jugernaut
• Jugernot