(ˌmɪlɪˈnɛərɪəˌnɪzəm), millenarism (ˈmɪlɪnəˌrɪzəm), millennialism (mɪˈlɛnɪəˌlɪzəm) or millennianism (mɪˈlɛnɪəˌnɪzəm)
noun
1. Christianity
the belief in a future millennium following the Second Coming of Christ during which He will reign on earth in peace: based on Revelation 20:1–5
2.
any belief in a future period of ideal peace and happiness
millennialism in American English
(mɪˈleniəˌlɪzəm)
noun
a belief in the millennium
Also called: millenarianism (ˌmɪləˈnɛəriəˌnɪzəm)
Derived forms
millennialist
noun
Word origin
[1905–10; millennial + -ism]This word is first recorded in the period 1905–10. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Expressionism, airway, cadre, push-up, white list-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nounsfrom verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice,state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion oradherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)