natural disaster

American  

[nach-er-uhl-di-zas-ter] / ˈnætʃ ər əl dɪˈzæs tər /

noun

1. a sudden, severe event in nature, such as a flood, earthquake, wildfire, etc., especially one that causes widespread damage and harm.

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Example Sentences

Those might include establishing a federal reinsurance program that shares natural disaster risks with insurers, or covering the risk itself similarly to how the National Flood Insurance Program works.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Because, for veterans of modern warfare, the question isn’t how to come to grips with something that befell us in the manner of a natural disaster.

From Slate • Mar. 16, 2026

The United States grants TPS to people deemed to be in danger if they return to their home countries because of war, natural disaster or other "extraordinary" circumstances.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

Money for home repairs would generally need to be for a FEMA-declared natural disaster.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

Disease-carrying insects become important where human beings are crowded together, especially under conditions where sanitation is poor, as in time of natural disaster or war or in situations of extreme poverty and deprivation.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson