noun

cataclysm

cataclysm, disaster, upheaval

The earthquake was a terrible cataclysm.

The earthquake was a terrible cataclysm.

The war brought about a political cataclysm.

The war brought about a political cataclysm.

((a/the ~)) a large-scale and violent event The flood was a cataclysm for the town.

Synonyms: catastrophe, disaster, upheaval

From Greek 'kataklysmos' (deluge), from 'kata-' (down) and 'klyzein' (to wash).

Think of a 'cat' causing a 'chasm' (a deep crack) – a huge disaster!

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