Catastrophe: meaning, definitions and examples
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catastrophe
[ kəˈtæstrəfi ]
natural disasters
A catastrophe is a sudden disaster or misfortune, often resulting in widespread damage or suffering. It can refer to events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or tsunamis.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The earthquake in Haiti was a catastrophic event that caused widespread destruction.
- The tsunami in Japan was a catastrophe that left many people homeless.
- The hurricane in New Orleans was a catastrophic natural disaster.
extreme failure
Catastrophe can also be used to describe a complete and utter failure or breakdown, often in a dramatic or unexpected manner.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The project ended in catastrophe when the main investor pulled out.
- The company faced a financial catastrophe after the stock market crash.
- The team's performance was a catastrophe, resulting in their loss.
Translations
Translations of the word "catastrophe" in other languages:
🇵🇹 catástrofe
🇮🇳 आपदा
🇩🇪 Katastrophe
🇮🇩 bencana
🇺🇦 катастрофа
🇵🇱 katastrofa
🇯🇵 大災害 (dai saigai)
🇫🇷 catastrophe
🇪🇸 catástrofe
🇹🇷 felaket
🇰🇷 재앙 (jaeang)
🇸🇦 كارثة (kāritha)
🇨🇿 katastrofa
🇸🇰 katastrofa
🇨🇳 灾难 (zāinàn)
🇸🇮 katastrofa
🇮🇸 hörmung
🇰🇿 апат
🇬🇪 კატასტროფა (katastropha)
🇦🇿 fəlakət
🇲🇽 catástrofe
Word origin
The word 'catastrophe' originated from the Greek word 'katastrophē', which means 'an overturning'. It was first used in English in the 16th century to describe a sudden and disastrous event. Over time, the term has come to encompass both natural disasters and extreme failures.