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cataclysm
Definitions
(2)
1
noun
A
large-scale
and
violent
event
in
the
natural
world
,
such
as
a
flood
or
earthquake
.
The
ancient
city
was
destroyed
by
a
cataclysm
that
reshaped
the
entire
landscape
.
Scientists
are
studying
the
effects
of
a
potential
cataclysm
on
global
weather
patterns
.
The
novel
describes
a
future
cataclysm
that
forces
humanity
to
adapt
to
new
living
conditions
.
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Kids' explanation
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Word games
2
noun
A
sudden
,
violent
upheaval
,
especially
in
a
political
or
social
context
.
The
revolution
was
a
cataclysm
that
altered
the
country's
political
landscape
forever
.
Economic
cataclysms
can
lead
to
widespread
poverty
and
social
unrest
.
The
fall
of
the
empire
was
a
cataclysm
that
changed
the
course
of
history
.
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Kids' explanation
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Word games
Word Origin
Language
Greek
Original word
kataklysmos
Word parts
kata (down) + klyzein (to wash)
Originally meant
a deluge or flood
Background
The word 'cataclysm' comes from the Greek 'kataklysmos', which originally referred to the biblical flood. It entered English in the 17th century, expanding to mean any large-scale disaster.