/ ˌrevəˈleɪʃn; NAmE / noun
1.
[ C ] revelation (about / concerning sth) | revelation (that ... ) a fact that people are made aware of, especially one that has been secret and is surprising
SYN disclosure :
startling / sensational revelations about her private life
2.
[ U ] revelation (of sth) the act of making people aware of sth that has been secret
SYN disclosure :
The company's financial problems followed the revelation of a major fraud scandal.
3.
[ C , U ] something that is considered to be a sign or message from God
—see also reveal
•
IDIOMS
- come as / be a revelation (to sb)
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (in the theological sense): from Old French , or from late Latin revelatio(n-) , from revelare lay barefrom re- again (expressing reversal) + velum veil. Senses 1 and 2 date from the mid 19th cent.