cataclysmic
Meaning: Relating to or resembling a cataclysm; involving sudden, violent upheaval or large-scale destruction.
Cataclysmic describes events of extreme and usually destructive magnitude — natural disasters, economic collapses, wars, or social upheavals. It is the adjective form of 'cataclysm' and implies not just damage but wholesale transformation of the existing order. The term is used both literally (of earthquakes, floods) and figuratively (of political or economic crises). It collocates with 'cataclysmic event', 'cataclysmic consequences', 'cataclysmic failure', and 'cataclysmic change'.
Examples
- The earthquake had cataclysmic consequences for the coastal communities, destroying infrastructure that had taken decades to build. 地震对沿海社区造成了灾难性后果,摧毁了数十年才建成的基础设施。El terremoto tuvo consecuencias cataclísmicas para las comunidades costeras, destruyendo infraestructuras que habían tardado décadas en construirse.その地震は沿岸地域に壊滅的な影響をもたらし、数十年かけて建設されたインフラを破壊した。그 지진은 해안 지역 사회에 재앙적인 결과를 초래하여, 수십 년에 걸쳐 건설된 기반시설을 파괴했다.
- The collapse of the banking system in 2008 was cataclysmic for millions of ordinary families who lost their savings and their homes. 2008年银行体系的崩溃对数百万普通家庭来说是灾难性的,他们失去了积蓄和住房。El colapso del sistema bancario en 2008 fue catastrófico para millones de familias corrientes que perdieron sus ahorros y sus hogares.2008年の銀行システムの崩壊は、貯蓄と住居を失った何百万もの一般家庭にとって壊滅的であった。2008년 은행 시스템의 붕괴는 저축과 주택을 잃은 수백만 일반 가정에게 재앙적이었다.
- Scientists warn that failure to reduce carbon emissions could trigger cataclysmic changes in global weather patterns within a generation. 科学家警告说,如果不减少碳排放,可能在一代人之内引发全球天气模式的灾难性变化。Los científicos advierten de que la falta de reducción de las emisiones de carbono podría desencadenar cambios cataclísmicos en los patrones meteorológicos globales en el plazo de una generación.科学者たちは、炭素排出量の削減に失敗すれば、一世代のうちに地球規模の気象パターンに壊滅的な変化を引き起こす可能性があると警告している。과학자들은 탄소 배출량 감축에 실패하면 한 세대 안에 전 세계 기상 패턴에 재앙적인 변화를 초래할 수 있다고 경고하고 있다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, media, scientific
Tone: dramatic
Origin & History
From Greek kataklysmikos, from kataklysmos meaning 'a deluge, an inundation,' from kataklyzein meaning 'to wash down,' from kata- (down) and klyzein (to wash). Entered English in the mid-19th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from General Advanced
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free