catastrophe

noun

ca·​tas·​tro·​phe kə-ˈta-strə-(ˌ)fē How to pronounce catastrophe (audio)
plural catastrophes
1
: a momentous tragic event ranging from extreme misfortune to utter overthrow or ruin
Deforestation and erosion can lead to an ecological catastrophe.
2
: utter failure : fiasco
the party was a catastrophe
3
a
: a violent and sudden change in a feature of the earth
b
: a violent usually destructive natural event (such as a supernova)
4
: the final event of the dramatic action especially of a tragedy
catastrophic adjective
catastrophically adverb

Did you know?

When English speakers first borrowed the Greek word katastrophē (from katastrephein, meaning "to overturn") as catastrophe in the 1500s, they used it for the conclusion or final event of a dramatic work, especially of a tragedy. In time, catastrophe came to be used more generally of any unhappy conclusion, or disastrous or ruinous end. By the mid-18th century, it was being used to denote truly devastating events, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Finally, it came to be applied to things that are only figuratively catastrophic—burnt dinners, lost luggage, really bad movies, etc.

Examples of catastrophe in a Sentence

The oil spill was an environmental catastrophe. Experts fear a humanitarian catastrophe if food isn't delivered to the refugees soon. an area on the brink of catastrophe
Recent Examples on the Web Known as Nakba, or catastrophe, the resulting exodus led to Qarini’s parents being born in Kuwait and Jordan. Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 The ultimate findings will have implications for millions of high-rise dwellers around the world, with recommendations on changes to building codes and construction practices that could prevent a similar catastrophe from happening elsewhere. Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 Related Articles Draymond, of all people, is Warriors’ calm voice after Boston blowout as Kerr explains Brown strategy Barring catastrophe, the Warriors will play postseason basketball. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2024 According to Munich Re, in 2023, natural catastrophe losses globally amounted to $250 billion and more than 74,000 deaths. Nina Seega, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Imagine a world devoid of color or warmth, foundering amid environmental catastrophe and tribal factions that threaten to bring humanity to the edge of fatal fanaticism. Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2024 There are fears of permanent displacement and conflict spilling over The possibility of another Nakba, or catastrophe, as Palestinians refer to their displacement more than 70 years ago, makes many today determined to stay put in Gaza. Aya Batrawy, NPR, 26 Feb. 2024 Meetings are marked by occasional gallows humor about what catastrophe lurks around the corner. Peter Baker, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2024 Internet data allowed some operations to continue, making the cell service failure more of an annoyance than a catastrophe for some. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Staff and Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'catastrophe.' 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

Greek katastrophē, from katastrephein to overturn, from kata- + strephein to turn

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of catastrophe was in 1540

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Dictionary Entries Near catastrophe

Cite this Entry

“Catastrophe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catastrophe. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

catastrophe

noun
ca·​tas·​tro·​phe kə-ˈtas-trə-(ˌ)fē How to pronounce catastrophe (audio)
1
: a sudden disaster
2
: complete failure : fiasco
catastrophic adjective
catastrophically adverb

Medical Definition

catastrophe

noun
ca·​tas·​tro·​phe kə-ˈtas-trə-fē How to pronounce catastrophe (audio)
: death (as from an inexplicable cause) before, during, or after an operation

More from Merriam-Webster on catastrophe

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