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Cataclysmic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฅ
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cataclysmic

[หŒkatษ™หˆklษชz.mษชk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a disaster

involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering; having a disastrous effect

Synonyms

apocalyptic, catastrophic, devastating, disastrous.

Examples of usage

  • The cataclysmic earthquake destroyed the entire city.
  • The cataclysmic flood left thousands homeless.
  • The cataclysmic event changed the course of history.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • The term is often used to describe major geological events, like the impact of asteroids that can lead to mass extinctions.
  • Research shows that cataclysmic events can alter climate patterns, affecting life on Earth for thousands of years.

Pop Culture

  • Many disaster movies depict cataclysmic events, such as alien invasions or supervolcano eruptions, emphasizing dramatic visual effects.
  • The term appears frequently in literature and music, often symbolizing personal upheaval or societal breakdown.

Environmental Impact

  • Cataclysmic events in nature, such as tsunamis or volcanic eruptions, can have long-lasting effects on ecosystems and human populations.
  • Scientists study past cataclysmic events to better prepare for potential future disasters.

Psychology

  • Experiencing or witnessing a cataclysmic event can lead to trauma and long-term psychological effects.
  • People may respond to news of such events with feelings of helplessness or anxiety about future disasters.

Origin of 'cataclysmic'

Main points about word origin

  • The root of this term comes from the Greek word 'kataklysmos', meaning flood.
  • The usage has evolved over centuries, first referring specifically to floods and then expanding to include any major disaster.

The word 'cataclysmic' originated from the Greek word 'kataklusmos' meaning 'deluge' or 'flood'. Over time, it evolved to refer to any sudden and violent event causing great damage or suffering. The concept of cataclysmic events has been present throughout human history, from biblical floods to volcanic eruptions, shaping societies and landscapes.

See also: cataclysm, cataclysmically.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,699, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.