Definition: A catastrophe is a sudden, disastrous event that causes significant destruction, loss, or distress. This term is often used to describe natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, or hurricanes, as well as human-caused events like wars or industrial accidents. It can also refer to a dramatic and unfortunate turn of events in a narrative or play.
Etymology and Origin: The word ‘catastrophe’ comes from the Greek ‘katastrophē’, meaning an overturning or sudden turn. This is derived from ‘kata-‘, meaning ‘down’, and ‘strophē’, meaning ‘turning’. The term entered English in the late 16th century. Initially, it was used in the context of drama, referring to the final resolution or conclusion of a plot, and later evolved to its current meaning of a large-scale disaster.
