Calamity
/kəˈlæm.ɪ.ti/noun
An event causing great and often sudden damage or distress; a disaster.
Did you know?The root of 'calamity' is linked to the Latin word for 'sick'—suggesting that disasters may be seen as a sickness of fate itself.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
calamitas
“A loss or damage, often implying a curse or punishment.”
Old French
Old French
calamité
“A misfortune or disaster.”
14th Century
Middle English
calamite
“A state of distress or disaster.”
Modern English
English
calamity
“A catastrophic event causing widespread damage or suffering.”