myEtymology.com: English etymology of catastrophe

Etymology of the English word catastrophe

the English word catastrophe

derived from the Late Latin word catastropha (sensational act, coup de theatre; turning point of an action)

derived from the Greek word katastrophe, καταστροφή (an overturn ('catastrophe'); demolition; figuratively, apostasy)

derived from the Greek word katastrephein, καταστρέφειν (to turn upside down; upset)

using the Greek prefix kata-, κατα-

derived from the Greek word kata, κατά (down)

derived from the Greek word strephein, στρέφειν, στρέϕω, στρέφω

The earliest known usage of catastrophe in English dates from the 16th century.

Word found in Modern English