catastrophe theory
noun
: mathematical theory and conjecture that uses topology to explain events (such as an earthquake or a stock market crash) characterized by major abrupt changes
Examples of catastrophe theory in a Sentence
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In search of scientific ways to make sense of a world in constant flux, people called on catastrophe theory to describe everything from bridge collapses to prison riots to regime changes.
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Gregory Barber, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
Vogel reports that Stanley Ambrose of the University of Illinois, one of the originators of the Toba catastrophe theory, argues that layers of sand above the ash indicates climate change at the Pinnacles site and a decrease in population.
—Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 14 Mar. 2018
Spencer Wells implicitly endorses this reality by his tacit support for the Toba catastrophe theory.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2010
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Gregory Barber, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
Vogel reports that Stanley Ambrose of the University of Illinois, one of the originators of the Toba catastrophe theory, argues that layers of sand above the ash indicates climate change at the Pinnacles site and a decrease in population.
—Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 14 Mar. 2018
Spencer Wells implicitly endorses this reality by his tacit support for the Toba catastrophe theory.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2010
Cite this Entry
“Catastrophe theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catastrophe%20theory. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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