Definition of underworld

The origin of the word "underworld" is complex and has evolved over time. The term is likely derived from the Old English words "under" meaning "below" and "werold" meaning "world". In Old English, the word "underworld" referred to the region below the earth, inhabited by the spirits of the dead. The concept of the underworld has roots in ancient cultures, such as Greek and Roman mythology, where the dead resided in the underworld, often ruled by gods or goddesses. In Christianity, the underworld referred to the realm of the damned, where sinners were punished. In modern times, the term "underworld" has taken on additional meanings, such as organized crime syndicates (e.g., "Chicago underworld") and even the metaphorical realm of personal struggles (e.g., "the underworld of addiction"). Throughout its etymological journey, the word "underworld" has maintained its connection to the unknown, the hidden, and the realm of the dead.