postlapsarian

adjective

post·​lap·​sar·​i·​an ˌpōst-ˌlap-ˈser-ē-ən How to pronounce postlapsarian (audio)
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the time or state after the fall of humankind described in the Bible

Examples of postlapsarian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Perhaps there was loneliness in Eden, but Radtke’s version is postlapsarian, partially cracked. Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 16 July 2021 But in that postlapsarian politics, there were still leaders to be found, men (always men) who could endure the psychological strain of leadership, who could cut it, who could make the Faustian bargain and emerge with their souls intact. George Blaustein, The New Republic, 2 July 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'postlapsarian.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

post- + Latin lapsus slip, fall — more at lapse

First Known Use

1733, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of postlapsarian was in 1733

Dictionary Entries Near postlapsarian

Cite this Entry

“Postlapsarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/postlapsarian. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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