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Definition of catastrophize

catastrophize

/kəˈtæs.trə.faɪz/
(UK: catastrophise)
ca · tas · tro · phize
Adverb:catastrophically
•
Adjective:catastrophic
•
Past Simple:catastrophized
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Past Participle:catastrophized
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Present Participle:catastrophizing
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catastrophize Lexical Profile

catastrophize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To view or talk about a situation as vastly worse than it actually is, or to habitually assume that the worst possible outcome will occur (especially in psychology and cognitive therapy).

Example

"When she did not receive an immediate reply to her email, she began to catastrophize and assumed she was about to be fired."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for catastrophize
Antonyms
View all antonyms for catastrophize

• Nearby Words

catastrophe
catastrophic
catastrophically
catastrophize
catatonia
catatonic
catbird

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-20th century by American psychologist Albert Ellis in the context of rational emotive behavior therapy, formed from 'catastrophe' (from Ancient Greek katastrophē, meaning 'an overturning') and the verbal suffix '-ize'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Catastrophize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/catastrophize
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