Definition of CATASTROPHE

catastrophe

Meanings

Plural: catastrophes

Noun

  • an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
  • a state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and misfortune
    • "lack of funds has resulted in a catastrophe for our school system"
  • a sudden violent change in the earth's surface
  • Any large and disastrous event of great significance.
  • A disaster beyond expectations.
  • The dramatic event that initiates the resolution of the plot; the dénouement.
  • A type of bifurcation, where a system shifts between two stable states.

Origin / Etymology

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

Scrabble Score: 18

catastrophe is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
catastrophe is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
catastrophe is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 19

catastrophe is a valid Words With Friends word