disaster Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and misfortune
    catastrophe.
    • lack of funds has resulted in a catastrophe for our school system
    • his policies were a disaster
  2. noun an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
    tragedy; calamity; cataclysm; catastrophe.
    • the whole city was affected by the irremediable calamity
    • the earthquake was a disaster
  3. noun an act that has disastrous consequences

WordNet

Dis*as"ter noun
Etymology
F. désastre; pref. dés- (L. dis-) + astre star, fr. L. astrum; a word of astrological origin. See Aster, Astral, Star.
Definitions
  1. An unpropitious or baleful aspect of a planet or star; malevolent influence of a heavenly body; hence, an ill portent. Obs.
    Disasters in the sun. Shak.
  2. An adverse or unfortunate event, esp. a sudden and extraordinary misfortune; a calamity; a serious mishap.
    But noble souls, through dust and heat, Rise from disaster and defeat The stronger. Longfellow.
    Syn. -- Calamity; misfortune; mishap; mischance; visitation; misadventure; ill luck. See Calamity.
Dis*as"ter transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To blast by the influence of a baleful star. Obs. Sir P. Sidney.
  2. To bring harm upon; to injure. R. Thomson.

Webster 1913