catastrophize

American  

[kuh-tas-truh-fahyz] / kəˈtæs trəˌfaɪz /

verb (used with or without object)

catastrophized, catastrophizing

1. to view or talk about (an event or situation) as worse than it actually is, or assume it will have the worst possible outcome; overreact.

   Stop catastrophizing and get on with your life!

   She tends to catastrophize her symptoms.

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Usage

What does catastrophize mean? To catastrophize is to think of a situation as much worse than it really is—to act as if a negative circumstance is the worst possible scenario. A catastrophe is a disaster or an utter failure or fiasco—it’s when something has gone wrong in the worst way. Catastrophize comes from psychology but is now also used in everyday speech. In British English, it’s usually spelled catastrophise. Example: I wish you wouldn’t catastrophize,” she said. “Things really aren’t that bad!

Etymology

Origin of catastrophize

First recorded in 1960–65; catastroph(e) + -ize

Example Sentences

I personally hope that I am wildly overreacting here, that my own fear of how this tragedy might be exploited is making me catastrophize.

From Slate • Sep. 11, 2025

But as civic institutions lose the authority they once enjoyed, scholars with an eye toward the future appear reluctant to catastrophize the situation.

From Washington Times • Jul. 3, 2023

Unfortunately, advertisers and influencers feed into our tendency to catastrophize, convincing us that a processed fruit snack or nonnatural soap will cause harm to our children.

From Washington Post • Feb. 18, 2022

It’s hard not to catastrophize when you hear some of the stories out there.

From New York Times • May 14, 2020

If you live in a state of peril as a kid, of course you catastrophize things because any threat can destroy you.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2020