catastrophe

noun

ca·tas·tro·phe | \kə-ˈtas-trə-(ˌ)fē

\

plural catastrophes

Definition of catastrophe

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

3a : 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

Other Words from catastrophe Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about catastrophe

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Did You Know?

When English speakers first borrowed the Greek word catastrophe in the 1500s, they used it for the conclusion or final event of a dramatic work, especially of a tragedy. By the early 1600s, "catastrophe" was being used more generally of any generally unhappy conclusion or disastrous or ruinous end. By the 18th century, "catastrophe" had come 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

FirstEnergy Solutions is arguing that its large plants, with on-site fuel storage, are a hedge against natural catastrophes and terrorist attacks that could cripple the nation's high-voltage grid. — John Funk, cleveland.com, "FirstEnergy Solutions hires top DC lobbyist while DOE considers its plea for emergency action," 20 Apr. 2018 And by the way, that's supposed to lead us now to catastrophe. — Fox News, "Steve Bannon on NATO: Trump is saying 'no more games'," 12 July 2018 Having lost majority support, Mr Maduro abolished Venezuela’s parliament and is dragging his country to socioeconomic catastrophe. — The Economist, "Riots threaten Nicaragua’s autocratic president," 26 Apr. 2018 But that often leads to inadequate planning for the inevitable storm surges and flash floods that could lead to catastrophes. — Umair Irfan, Vox, "California’s droughts and deluges portend the weather “whiplash” to come," 24 Apr. 2018 One exercise will simulate a mass-casualty catastrophe at hospitals. — Frances Robles, New York Times, "FEMA Was Sorely Unprepared for Puerto Rico Hurricane, Report Says," 12 July 2018 One particularly noteworthy theory was the impact of war, natural disasters and large-scale catastrophes. — Yonat Shimron, Houston Chronicle, "Younger adults are less religious, and not only in the U.S.," 16 June 2018 Today, some former test sites are facing health hazards and environmental catastrophe. — Lovely Umayam, The New Republic, "The Nuclear Industry’s Winners and Losers," 31 May 2018 There are these catastrophes that sometimes lead people to personality change, and there’re negative ones, too. — Hope Reese, Longreads, "‘I Was a Storm of Confetti’: Michael Pollan On Why It’s a Good Idea To Lose Your Self," 30 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'catastrophe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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From the Editors at Merriam-Webster

Dictionary Entries near catastrophe

catastrophe theory

Statistics for catastrophe

Last Updated

14 Oct 2018

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for catastrophe

The first known use of catastrophe was in 1540

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More Definitions for catastrophe

catastrophe

noun

English Language Learners Definition of catastrophe

: a terrible disaster

See the full definition for catastrophe in the English Language Learners Dictionary

catastrophe

noun

ca·tas·tro·phe | \kə-ˈta-strə-fē

\

Kids Definition of catastrophe

1 : a sudden disaster The oil spill was an environmental catastrophe.

2 : complete failure : fiasco The party was a catastrophe.

catastrophe

noun

ca·tas·tro·phe | \kə-ˈtas-trə-fē

\

Medical Definition of catastrophe

: death (as from an inexplicable cause) before, during, or after an operation

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