Search Dictionary
Definition of cataclysm

cataclysm

/ˈkæt.əˌklɪz.əm/
cat · a · clysm
Adverb:cataclysmically
•
Plural:cataclysms
•
Adjective:cataclysmic
JUMP TO:

cataclysm Lexical Profile

cataclysm Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A sudden, violent, and large-scale natural event, such as an earthquake, volcanic eruption, or flood, that causes widespread destruction and permanently alters the physical landscape.

Example

"Geologists discovered evidence of an ancient cataclysm that reshaped the entire coastal mountain range."

2

A momentous and violent social, political, or economic upheaval that drastically disrupts established order.

Example

"The sudden collapse of the banking sector triggered a financial cataclysm that affected millions of households."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cataclysm
Antonyms
View all antonyms for cataclysm

• Nearby Words

cat gecko
cat snake
cat-eyed snake
cataclysm
cataclysmic
catacomb
catalog

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from French cataclysme, via Latin cataclysmos, from Ancient Greek kataklysmós ('deluge, inundation'), derived from kataklýzō ('to wash down, flood'), originally referring specifically to the biblical Great Flood.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cataclysm. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cataclysm
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.