Belshazzaresque

/ˌbɛlʃæzərˈɛsk/ adjective

Definition

Having qualities reminiscent of Belshazzar or his story, such as being ominous, prophetic, or suggesting doom and destruction.

Etymology

From Belshazzar plus the suffix '-esque' (from French/Italian), meaning 'in the style of.' Created to describe situations that evoke the biblical king's mysterious warning.

Kelly Says

When something feels Belshazzaresque, it has that uncanny quality of a warning you can't ignore—like an omen hanging in the air. Modern writers use it for any moment when destruction seems inevitable and written in the stars.

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