catastrophe

Word Origin & History

1530s, "reversal of what is expected" (especially a fatal turning point in a drama), from Latin catastropha, from Greek katastrophe "an overturning; a sudden end," from katastrephein "to overturn, turn down, trample on; to come to an end," from kata "down" (see cata-) + strephein "turn" (see strophe). Extension to "sudden disaster" is first recorded 1748.

Example Sentences forcatastrophe

Had Mrs. Bines been above talking to low people, a catastrophe might have been averted.

At this catastrophe, he was about twenty-seven years of age.

Such a journey seemed like a catastrophe in his calm existence.

"It's like a catastrophe," remarked Monny, looking as if she blamed me.

For him this was desolation, such a catastrophe that he forgot his torments.

On two occasions recently he had shuddered at the possibility of a catastrophe.

In the enclosure were a few hurried lines, written since the catastrophe.

He was stunned by the suddenness of the catastrophe that had overtaken them.

Had a catastrophe happened, there was nothing to hope from France.

The shepherd knew there must be a catastrophe, but he was powerless to avert it.

catastrophe

cataclysm

collapse

crises

crisis

damage

damages

disaster

disasters

catastrophe

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