cataclysm

[kat-uh-kliz-uhm]

noun

1. any violent upheaval, especially one of a social or political nature.

2. Physical Geography.,  a sudden and violent physical action producing changes in the earth's surface.

3. an extensive flood; deluge.

cataclysm

/ ˈkætəˌklɪzəm /

noun

1. a violent upheaval, esp of a political, military, or social nature

2. a disastrous flood; deluge

3. geology another name for catastrophe

Other Word Forms

• cataclysmic adjective
• cataclysmically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of cataclysm¹

1625–35; < Late Latin cataclysmos (Vulgate) < Greek kataklysmós flood (akin to kataklýzein to flood), equivalent to kata- cata- + klysmós a washing

Word History and Origins

Origin of cataclysm¹

C17: via French from Latin, from Greek kataklusmos deluge, from katakluzein to flood, from kluzein to wash

Synonym Study

See disaster.

Example Sentences

Dyer’s father was traumatized by the austerity of growing up in England between two military cataclysms, and his daily satisfaction is bound in his ability to pinch pences.

From Los Angeles Times

We, on the other hand, will be long gone by then, shriveled by some far more minor cataclysm like the fragile little primates we are.

From Salon

For me and many others, it’s impossible to consider Dec. 18, 2021 as anything more than a cataclysm that could have and should have been prevented.

From Los Angeles Times

Throughout 150 years of boosterism, through our latest cataclysm of fires, the palm tree image makes visual geolocation instant and easy.

From Los Angeles Times

But experts caution that the latest quakes don’t provide any additional clarity on the potential timing of such a cataclysm.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• calamity 
• catastrophe 
• convulsion 
• debacle 
• deluge 
• upheaval