Cataclysmic: meaning, definitions and examples

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cataclysmic

 

[ ˌkatəˈklɪz.mɪk ]

Adjective
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

Translations of the word "cataclysmic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cataclísmico

🇮🇳 प्रलयंकारी

🇩🇪 kataklysmisch

🇮🇩 kataklismik

🇺🇦 катастрофічний

🇵🇱 kataklizmiczny

🇯🇵 大変動的な

🇫🇷 cataclysmique

🇪🇸 cataclísmico

🇹🇷 felaket

🇰🇷 격변적인

🇸🇦 كارثي

🇨🇿 kataklyzmatický

🇸🇰 kataklyzmatický

🇨🇳 灾难性的

🇸🇮 kataklizmičen

🇮🇸 hamfarakenndur

🇰🇿 апаттық

🇬🇪 კატაკლიზმური

🇦🇿 kataklizmik

🇲🇽 cataclísmico

Etymology

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.