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catastrophe

noun

/kəˈtæs trə fi/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of catastrophe

A severe and often sudden event or situation that causes widespread destruction, suffering, or loss.
"The oil spill caused an environmental catastrophe, devastating marine life."

Detailed meaning of catastrophe

It signifies a disastrous or catastrophic event that leads to significant negative consequences, whether physical, social, or emotional. A catastrophe can manifest in various forms, such as natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods, or human-made disasters like wars, accidents, or large-scale emergencies. The impact of a catastrophe is often far-reaching, affecting communities, regions, or even entire nations. It involves immense damage, disruption, and often a high toll on human lives, infrastructure, ecosystems, and economies. The term 'catastrophe' carries a sense of grave danger, overwhelming scale, and the need for urgent response and recovery. It serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of human existence and the importance of preparedness, resilience, and support in the face of unexpected and devastating events.

Example sentences containing catastrophe

1. The earthquake was a catastrophe, turning cities into rubble within moments.
2. In 1815, the Tambora eruption became a world-altering catastrophe.
3. A flood, a horrific catastrophe, left the town submerged and people homeless.
4. The catastrophe’s impact stretched globally, touching every continent ardently.
5. The nuclear meltdown was an unprecedented catastrophe, echoing for decades.
6. A catastrophe of this magnitude demanded international collaborative recovery.

History and etymology of catastrophe

The noun 'catastrophe' has its roots in ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek word 'katastrophē,' which means 'an overturning' or 'a sudden turn.' This term is formed from 'kata,' meaning 'down' or 'completely,' and 'strophē,' meaning 'a turning.' In ancient Greek drama, a 'catastrophe' referred to the final part of a play where the plot took a sudden and often tragic turn, leading to the resolution of the story. Over time, the word 'catastrophe' came to be used more broadly to describe any severe and often sudden event or situation that causes widespread destruction, suffering, or loss. Its etymology underscores the dramatic and unforeseen nature of such events, highlighting the dramatic turning point or overturning of circumstances that can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

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Further usage examples of catastrophe

1. Wildlife faced extinction post-oil spill, a heart-wrenching marine catastrophe.
2. The artist depicted the hurricane’s catastrophe with haunting, vivid strokes.
3. Science fiction warned of AI-caused catastrophe, a mix of innovation and fear.
4. The financial catastrophe of 2008 reshaped policies and public perception harshly.
5. Amidst the fiery catastrophe, heroes emerged, showcasing resilience and bravery.
6. The catastrophe's aftermath unveiled humanity’s capability for unity and aid.
7. Escaping the volcanic catastrophe, the community’s bonds strengthened immensely.
8. Written accounts immortalized the famine, a catastrophe of historical proportions.
9. Memories of the tsunami, a watery catastrophe, haunted survivors for life.
10. The space mission avoided a catastrophic failure, saving humanity from catastrophe.
11. Resilience blossomed in the garden city post the earthquake catastrophe.
12. The wildfire, a consuming catastrophe, was a harsh lesson on nature's fury.
13. Tales of the ancient catastrophe were passed down through generations somberly.
14. The earthquake unleashed a catastrophe, leaving the city in ruins.
15. The pandemic has been a global catastrophe, impacting lives and economies worldwide.
16. The financial crisis of 2008 led to an economic catastrophe with far-reaching consequences.
17. The collapse of the bridge resulted in a tragic catastrophe, claiming numerous lives.
18. The hurricane brought about a catastrophic situation, leaving thousands homeless.
19. The terrorist attack was a horrific catastrophe, shaking the entire nation.
20. The wildfire turned into a catastrophic event, engulfing acres of land in flames.
21. The failure of the dam caused a catastrophic flood, destroying homes and infrastructure.
22. The nuclear meltdown posed a catastrophic risk, threatening the safety of the entire region.
23. The airplane crash resulted in a catastrophic loss of lives and shocked the aviation industry.
24. The drought led to a catastrophic food shortage, leaving many communities in desperate need.