disaster

di·sas·ter

noun \di-ˈzas-tər, -ˈsas-\

Definition of DISASTER

1

obsolete : an unfavorable aspect of a planet or star

2

: a sudden calamitous event bringing great damage, loss, or destruction; broadly : a sudden or great misfortune or failure <the party was a disaster>

Examples of DISASTER

1. The program examined several bridge failures and other engineering disasters.
2. The new regulations could be a disaster for smaller businesses.
3. They're trying to find a way to avoid disaster.
4. The dinner party was a complete disaster.

Origin of DISASTER

Middle French & Old Italian; Middle French desastre, from Old Italian disastro, from dis- (from Latin) + astro star, from Latin astrum — more at astral

First Known Use: 1568

Related to DISASTER

Synonyms: apocalypse, calamity, cataclysm, catastrophe, debacle (also débâcle), tragedy

Antonyms: blockbuster, hit, smash, success, winner

Related Words: bloodbath, collapse, crash, meltdown; Armageddon, doomsday, end-time; convulsion, paroxysm, upheaval; accident, casualty, fatality; misadventure, mischance, misfortune, mishap; blast, blow, double whammy, one-two (or one-two punch)

Near Antonyms: godsend, manna, windfall

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with DISASTER

bandmaster, brewmaster, broadcaster, bushmaster, cadastre, choirmaster, court plaster, dockmaster, drillmaster, grand master, headmaster, ironmaster, jumpmaster, linecaster, loadmaster, newscaster, old master, past master, paymaster, piastre, pilaster, postmaster, quizmaster, remaster, ringmaster, sandblaster, schoolmaster, scoutmaster, shinplaster, shipmaster, sportscaster, spymaster, surf caster, taskmaster, toastmaster, truckmaster, webcaster, wharfmaster, whoremaster, yardmaster