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

Derived Forms

• ˌcataˈclysmic, adjective
• ˌcataˈclysmically, 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

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

Rangers' future is, in part, being determined by their past and their understandable fear of having another ownership cataclysm on their hands.

From BBC

As tensions swell into contradictions, however, a cataclysm in the form of war or natural disaster can catalyze otherwise simmering conflicts — allowing challenges from rival powers, revolts by subordinate social orders, or both.

From Salon

The whole area is threatening to explode into a cataclysm of violence, death and pain.

From Salon

It was the titans' final chapter, however -- as the story told in the rocks above these fossils record a cataclysm known as the Late Triassic global mass extinction event.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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