Catastrophe
/kəˈtæstrəfi/noun
A sudden and widespread disaster or misfortune.
Did you know?In ancient Greek theater, a 'catastrophe' referred to the final act of a tragedy, marking the downfall of the hero, which intertwined fate and disaster.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
καταστροφή (katastrophē)
“A turning down or overturning, often used in the context of a dramatic conclusion.”
Late Latin
Latin
catastrophē
“Adoption of the Greek term into Latin, retaining its meaning of a disastrous conclusion.”
Middle French
Old French
catastrophe
“Borrowed from Latin, used to describe a sudden disaster or downfall.”
16th Century
English
catastrophe
“Adopted into English, retaining the notion of a sudden and disastrous event.”
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