cataclysm
noun
cat·a·clysm
ˈka-tə-ˌkli-zəm 
3
: a momentous and violent event marked by overwhelming upheaval and demolition
broadly
: an event that brings great changes
an international economic cataclysm
Examples of cataclysm in a Sentence
floods, earthquakes, and other cataclysms
The country barely survived the cataclysm of war.
The revolution could result in worldwide cataclysm.
Recent Examples on the Web
When neutron stars merge, plus possibly when other stellar cataclysms (such as supernovae or exploding white dwarfs) occur, both U-235 and U-238 are produced.
—
Big Think, 10 Apr. 2025
Uranium, for example, is created in stellar cataclysms, with kilonova events — or colliding and merging neutron stars that don’t immediately form a black hole — doing the majority of creation for this element and its isotopes.
—Big Think, 10 Apr. 2025
Furthermore, there are the nebulae that result from stellar cataclysms, or violent events that trigger a star or stellar remnant’s destruction.
—Big Think, 18 Mar. 2025
Perfect atmospheric mix for ferocious storm The atmospheric stew that gave birth to the ferocious cataclysm was literally a perfect storm.
—John O'Connor, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cataclysm
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Big Think, 10 Apr. 2025
Uranium, for example, is created in stellar cataclysms, with kilonova events — or colliding and merging neutron stars that don’t immediately form a black hole — doing the majority of creation for this element and its isotopes.
—Big Think, 10 Apr. 2025
Furthermore, there are the nebulae that result from stellar cataclysms, or violent events that trigger a star or stellar remnant’s destruction.
—Big Think, 18 Mar. 2025
Perfect atmospheric mix for ferocious storm The atmospheric stew that gave birth to the ferocious cataclysm was literally a perfect storm.
—John O'Connor, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cataclysm
Cite this Entry
“Cataclysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cataclysm. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cataclysm
noun
cat·a·clysm
ˈkat-ə-ˌkliz-əm
1
: a great flood
2
: a violent and destructive natural event (as an earthquake)
3
: a violent social or political change
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