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

If you’re someone who tends to catastrophize, learning that someone is not feeling the same way as you can help give you some perspective, said Siegel.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 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

Most important, Dr. Rosmarin said, is not to catastrophize or judge yourself.

From New York Times • Feb. 27, 2023

For example, becoming aware of our tendency to catastrophize and realizing that the fear that cicadas will get tangled in our hair does not happen can boost recovery from the phobia.

From Washington Post • Apr. 23, 2021