Spanish Conversation · Level 2
86 words
Spanish word
cataclismo
Pronunciation
IPA/kataˈklismo/
Meaning
- masculine nouncatastrophe
Example
Un cataclismo provocó la evacuación de la ciudad.
A catastrophe caused the evacuation of the city.
More examples
La crisis económica puso al país al borde de un cataclismo.
The economic crisis put the country on the brink of a cataclysm.
Core concept
Widespread destructive event that disrupts normal life.
Common phrases
al borde de un cataclismo
on the brink of a cataclysm
ser un cataclismo
be a cataclysm
Similar words
desastre: Causes major damage or disorder that requires recovery efforts.
catástrofe: Causes catastrophic damage with massive loss of life or property.
calamidad: Produces serious hardship for daily life and community well-being.
tragedia: Involves death or deep human suffering and long-lasting sorrow.
Definition in Spanish
Suceso extremadamente destructivo que causa daños masivos y altera la normalidad de una sociedad o un lugar.
Word origin
From Latin cataclysmus, borrowed from Greek kataklysmós (kata 'down' + klyzein 'to wash'), originally naming a great flood and later any overwhelming disaster.
Usage tips
- Mostly a dramatic, news- or literary-level word in Spanish, so everyday speakers often prefer desastre or problema for ordinary bad events.