catastrophe

Definition

Any large and disastrous event of great significance.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek καταστροφή (katastrophḗ), from καταστρέφω (katastréphō, “I overturn”), from κατά (katá, “down, against”) + στρέφω (stréphō, “I turn”).

Example Sentences

• "The Chernobyl disaster was a catastrophe."
• "Last night, after the brief sitting of the House of Lords, and before catastrophe befell the Government in the Commons, I had a long chat with the Premier, in which he discussed the Home Rule question and his relations with it in perfectly frank manner."
• "Between these high lights accumulated disaster, social catastrophe."

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