catastrophic etymology

Etymology

The word "catastrophic" is derived from the Greek word "katastrophe," meaning "a sudden and violent reversal of fortune." It was first used in English in the 16th century to describe a sudden and disastrous event.

Meaning

The adjective "catastrophic" means:

• causing or involving widespread disaster or destruction
• characterized by or resulting from a sudden and violent event
• very severe or damaging

Origin

The Greek word "katastrophe" is composed of the following elements:

• kata- (prefix meaning "down, against")
• strophe (noun meaning "a turning, a change")

In ancient Greek drama, a "katastrophe" referred to the final, climactic scene of a tragedy, in which the protagonist's fortunes suddenly and violently change for the worse. This term was later adopted into English to describe any sudden and disastrous event.

Examples of Usage

• The earthquake caused catastrophic damage to the city.
• The catastrophic failure of the space shuttle resulted in the loss of the crew.
• The economic crisis has had catastrophic consequences for the country.

catastrophic relate terms

• catastrophe

  Etymology The word catastrophe comes from the Ancient Greek καταστροφή ka

• cata

  Etymology The word cata is derived from the Greek prefix κατά kata which means

• strepto

  Etymology Greek streptos meaning twisted or bent Meaning Relating to a grou

• atlas

  Etymology The word atlas derives from Greek mythology specifically the Titan Atlas M

• ponder

  Etymology The word ponder originates from the Latin verb ponderare which means to w

• pride

  Etymology The word pride comes from the Middle English word pryde which in turn der

• Gothic

  Etymology The word Gothic derives from the Latin gothus which is derived from the G

• understand

  Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words It involves tracing the develop

• custom

  Etymology Custom noun and adjective From Middle English custume ultimately derived

• amen

  Etymology Amen originated from the Hebrew word ʾāmēn אָמֵן which is a transl

• defiance

  Etymology Defiance comes from the Old French word defiance which itself is derived