catastrophism Hear it!

catastrophism Definition

ca·tas·tro·phism (kə tastrə fiz′əm)

noun

  1. the former theory that geologic changes are caused in general by sudden upheavals rather than gradually
  2. an outlook envisioning imminent catastrophe

catastrophism Related Forms
ca·tas·tro·phist noun, adjective
catastrophism Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • celestial: The bottom line is that the biblical tale of Sodom and Gomorrah is a mythical story based on the usual archetype of celestial catastrophism.

Browse dictionary entries near catastrophism

  1. catastrophe
  2. catastasis
  3. catarrhine
  4. catarrh
  5. cataract
  6. catapult
  7. cataplasm
  8. cataplasia
  9. cataphyll
  10. cataphoresis
  1. catatonia
  2. catawampus
  3. Catawba
  4. catbird
  5. catbird seat
  6. catboat
  7. catcall
  8. catch
  9. Catch-22
  10. catch basin