noun

cataclysm

cataclysm, disaster, catastrophe

The earthquake was a cataclysm for the city.

The earthquake was a cataclysm for the city.

The war brought about a political cataclysm.

The war brought about a political cataclysm.

a ((adjective)) cataclysm The revolution was a political cataclysm.

Synonyms: catastrophe, disaster, upheaval, calamity

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

Connect it to its root meaning of a great 'washing down', like a massive flood that changes everything.

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