catastrophe
noun
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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.
Synonyms
Examples of catastrophe in a Sentence
Charles McNulty, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2024
More than 1,000 more were injured in the disaster (but strict building codes and public preparedness may have helped prevent an even greater catastrophe).
—Yan Zhuang, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for catastrophe 
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
Greek katastrophē, from katastrephein to overturn, from kata- + strephein to turn
1540, in the meaning defined at sense 4
Phrases Containing catastrophe
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Cite this Entry
“Catastrophe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catastrophe. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
catastrophe
noun
Medical Definition
catastrophe
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on catastrophe
Nglish: Translation of catastrophe for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of catastrophe for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about catastrophe
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