catastrophe
kəˈtæstrəfi
Definition Synonyms

Definition of catastrophe - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

1.
disasterlarge event causing great damage or suffering
  • The earthquake was a catastrophe for the city.
calamity cataclysm disaster
2.
narratologyTECH.dramatic event resolving a plotTECH.
  • The hero's return marked the catastrophe of the story.
climax denouement
3.
geologyTECH.sudden violent change in earth's surfaceTECH.
  • The volcanic eruption was a geological catastrophe.
calamity disaster
4.
mathematicsTECH.bifurcation causing system shift between statesTECH.
  • The model showed a catastrophe in the system's behavior.
bifurcation discontinuity
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Expressions with catastrophe

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situation likely to become disastrous
The neglected bridge is a catastrophe waiting to happen.
situation likely to cause serious trouble
Leaving the project unfinished is a recipe for catastrophe.
severe negative effects of climate change on nature and humans
Scientists warn of a looming climate catastrophe.
branch of mathematics studying sudden changes in systems
Catastrophe theory helps explain sudden shifts in ecosystems.

Origin of catastrophe

Greek, katastrophē (overturning)

Terms with catastrophe included in their meaning

💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
catastrophe
unexpected event causing great damage or loss
catastrophe
event that completely destroys something
catastrophe
disaster causing widespread destruction
affected area
badly affected by a disaster or catastrophe
catastrophe
situation causing extreme fear or despair
catastrophe
day of great destruction or apocalypse
catastrophe
disaster affecting all areas
disaster
natural and unavoidable catastrophe causing harm

Examples of catastrophe in a sentence

  • Losing the data was a catastrophe for the company.
  • The catastrophe unfolded as the villain was defeated.
  • The unexpected twist served as the story's catastrophe.
  • The earthquake was a natural catastrophe.
  • The landslide caused a major catastrophe.
  • The sudden catastrophe altered the system's dynamics.

View all translations of catastrophe

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:catastrophe, dénouement, ...
  2. German:Katastrophe, Naturkatastrophe, ...
  3. Italian:catastrofe, calamità, ...
  4. Spanish:catástrofe, ...
  5. Portuguese:catástrofe, desastre, ...
  6. Chinese:灾难, 结局, ...
  7. Japanese:大惨事, カタストロフ, ...
  8. Arabic:كَارِثَة, ذِرْوَة القِصَّة, ...
  9. Hebrew:אָסוֹן, הַתָּרָה, ...
  10. Russian:катастрофа, ...
  11. Ukrainian:катастрофа, ...
  12. Hindi:आपदा, विनाश, ...

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