catastrophism

[ kuh-tas-truh-fiz-uhm ]

noun

, Geology.

1. the doctrine that certain vast geological changes in the earth's history were caused by catastrophes rather than gradual evolutionary processes.

catastrophism

/ kəˈtæstrəˌfɪzəm /

noun

1. an old doctrine, now discarded, that the earth was created and has subsequently been shaped by sudden divine acts which have no logical connection with each other rather than by gradual evolutionary processes
2. Also calledneo-catastrophism a modern doctrine that the gradual evolutionary processes shaping the earth have been supplemented in the past by the effects of huge natural catastrophes Compare uniformitarianism gradualism

catastrophism

1. A theory holding that changes in the Earth take place swiftly and irreversibly. ( Contrast gradualism .)

Notes

A belief in Noah 's flood is one version of catastrophism.

Derived Forms

• caˈtastrophist, noun

Other Words From

• ca·tastro·phist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of catastrophism¹

First recorded in 1865–70; catastrophe + -ism

Example Sentences

But to deny catastrophism was to suggest a revolution in current thought.

From Project Gutenberg

For the idea of catastrophism had not concerned the destruction of species merely, but their introduction as well.

From Project Gutenberg

This view is a complete reconciliation of catastrophism and uniformitarianism, and is far more rational than either extreme.

From Project Gutenberg

This principle of ‘uniformity’ knocked the old teaching of catastrophism on the head.

From Project Gutenberg

To my mind there appears to be no sort of necessary theoretical antagonism between Catastrophism and Uniformitarianism.

From Project Gutenberg