cataclysm

The definition of a cataclysm is a catastrophe or a large-scale and often violent event that causes change or upheaval.

(noun)

A devastating and destructive tsunami is an example of a cataclysm.
A violent political uprising that leads to a new leader coming into power is an example of a cataclysm.

See cataclysm in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a great flood; deluge
any great upheaval, as an earthquake or a war, that causes sudden and violent changes, great destruction, etc.

Origin: L cataclysmos < Gr kataklysmos < kataklyzein < kata-, down + klyzein, to wash: for IE base see cloaca

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See cataclysm in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A violent upheaval that causes great destruction or brings about a fundamental change.
A violent and sudden change in the earth's crust.
A devastating flood.

Origin:

Origin: French cataclysme

Origin: , from Latin cataclysmos, deluge

Origin: , from Greek kataklusmos

Origin: , from katakluzein, to inundate

Origin: : kata-, intensive pref.; see cata-

Origin: + kluzein, to wash away

Related Forms: