cataclysm Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a sudden violent change in the earth's surface
    catastrophe.
  2. noun an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
    tragedy; calamity; catastrophe; disaster.
    • the whole city was affected by the irremediable calamity
    • the earthquake was a disaster

WordNet

Cat"a*clysm noun
Etymology
L. cataclysmos, Gr. , from to dash over, inundate; downward, against + to wash or dash or over: cf. F. cataclysme.
Definitions
  1. An extensive overflow or sweeping flood of water; a deluge.
  2. (Geol.) Any violent catastrophe, involving sudden and extensive changes of the earth's surface.

Webster 1913