catastrophe

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A sudden event that causes great damage, suffering, or loss.

   The flood was a catastrophe for the whole region.

2. 2
   noun

   A complete failure or very bad situation.

   Losing the contract would be a catastrophe for the company.

From Ancient Greek καταστροφή (katastrophḗ), from καταστρέφω (katastréphō, “to overturn”), from κατά (katá, “down, against”) + στρέφω (stréphō, “to turn”).

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