Any large and disastrous event of great significance. / (insurance) A disaster beyond expectations. / (narratology) The dramatic event that initiates the resolution of the plot; the dénouement.

plural of catastrophe / plural of catastrophë

In a catastrophic manner, or to a catastrophic extent; disastrously.

To regard a bad situation as if it were disastrous or catastrophic. / (obsolete) To end a comedy.

Of or pertaining to a catastrophe. / Disastrous; ruinous. / From which recovery is impossible.

simple past tense and past participle of catastrophize

(geology) The doctrine that sudden catastrophes, rather than continuous change, cause the main features of the Earth's crust.

present participle of catastrophize

One who catastrophizes.

plural of catastrophizer