cataclysmic
UK: ˌkætəˈklɪzmɪk | US: ˌkætəˈklɪzmɪk
adj. relating to or causing a violent upheaval or disaster
adj. (figuratively) extremely significant or transformative, often in a destructive way
cataclysmic = cata<down, against> + clysm<flood, deluge> + ic<adjective suffix>
- cata (from Greek kata): Prefix meaning "down," "against," or "thoroughly."
- clysm (from Greek klysmos, "flood" or "deluge"): Root referring to a large-scale destructive event, often watery.
- ic: Suffix forming adjectives, indicating "pertaining to."
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Greek kataklysmos ("deluge"), combining kata- (intensifying "down") and klyzein ("to wash"). Originally describing Noah's Flood-like disasters, it evolved metaphorically to signify any overwhelming catastrophe. The suffix -ic standardizes it as an adjective in English.
The asteroid impact had cataclysmic effects on Earth's climate.
The revolution brought cataclysmic changes to the political landscape.
Scientists warn of cataclysmic consequences if global warming continues unchecked.
The novel depicts a cataclysmic war between gods and mortals.
Her resignation was a cataclysmic event for the company.