cataclysm
noun
cat·a·clysm
ˈka-tə-ˌkli-zəm 
3
: a momentous and violent event marked by overwhelming upheaval and demolition
broadly
: an event that brings great changes
an international economic cataclysm
Examples of cataclysm in a Sentence
floods, earthquakes, and other cataclysms
The country barely survived the cataclysm of war.
The revolution could result in worldwide cataclysm.
Recent Examples on the Web
Avatar: Seven Havens is set in a world shattered by a devastating cataclysm.
—
Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025
This year’s Oscars are also taking place soon after a Los Angeles cataclysm.
—Stephen Humphries, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Feb. 2025
Throughout 150 years of boosterism, through our latest cataclysm of fires, the palm tree image makes visual geolocation instant and easy.
—Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Over the last several decades, various types of natural disasters have wreaked havoc around the U.S., but which cataclysms have cost the most?
—Alex Nitzberg, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cataclysm
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Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025
This year’s Oscars are also taking place soon after a Los Angeles cataclysm.
—Stephen Humphries, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Feb. 2025
Throughout 150 years of boosterism, through our latest cataclysm of fires, the palm tree image makes visual geolocation instant and easy.
—Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Over the last several decades, various types of natural disasters have wreaked havoc around the U.S., but which cataclysms have cost the most?
—Alex Nitzberg, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cataclysm
Articles Related to cataclysm
Cite this Entry
“Cataclysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cataclysm. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cataclysm
noun
cat·a·clysm
ˈkat-ə-ˌkliz-əm
1
: a great flood
2
: a violent and destructive natural event (as an earthquake)
3
: a violent social or political change
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