behemoth
UK: bɪˈhiːmɒθ | US: bɪˈhiːməθ
n. 1. A colossal or monstrous creature, often used metaphorically for something of enormous size or power.
n. 2. (Biblical) A mighty beast described in the Book of Job, symbolizing untamable strength.
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"Behemoth" originates from Hebrew bəhēmōth (בְּהֵמוֹת), likely an intensive plural form of bəhēmāh (beast), emphasizing immense size or power. The word entered English via Latin and Greek translations of the Bible, where it described a primeval, hippopotamus-like creature in Job 40:15–24. Over time, it generalized to mean any gargantuan entity. Unlike compound words, "behemoth" resists segmentation due to its loanword status and non-Indo-European roots.
The new aircraft carrier is a behemoth of modern engineering.
Critics warned that the tech company had become a monopolistic behemoth.
In the biblical text, Behemoth symbolizes untamed natural forces.
The warehouse stood like a behemoth against the skyline.
Tackling climate change requires confronting the behemoth of global industrialization.