ca
tast
ro
phe
Plural
catastrophes
1
a horrible event that causes much suffering and damage
- The earthquake in the region caused widespread devastation and was considered a natural catastrophe.
- The financial collapse of the company was averted at the last moment, narrowly avoiding a catastrophe.
- The failure of the levee led to a catastrophic flood that submerged entire neighborhoods.
- The global pandemic was declared a health catastrophe due to its widespread impact on public health and economies.
- The loss of biodiversity due to deforestation is viewed as an environmental catastrophe with long-term consequences.
2
a state of extreme ruin, misfortune, or irreversible damage
- The company was in a catastrophe after years of mismanagement.
- His personal life fell into catastrophe following the scandal.
- Years of neglect brought the historic building to catastrophe.
- The loss of leadership left the organization in catastrophe.
- The economic collapse was a catastrophe for millions.
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3
a sudden, violent, or dramatic change in the earth's surface, such as an earthquake or landslide
- The landslide was a sudden geological catastrophe.
- Geologists studied the catastrophe that created the canyon.
- Volcanic eruptions can cause local catastrophes.
- Tsunamis are often the result of a coastal catastrophe.
- Scientists track catastrophes to predict future risk zones.
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