1530s, "reversal of what is expected" (especially a fatal turning point in a drama), from Latin catastropha, from Greek katastrophe "an overturning; a sudden end," from katastrephein "to overturn, turn down, trample on; to come to an end," from kata "down" (see cata-) + strephein "turn" (see strophe). Extension to "sudden disaster" is first recorded 1748.
双语例句
1. They suffered an electoral catastrophe, winning a paltry 3 seats.
他们在选举中惨败，仅获得微不足道的3个席位。
来自柯林斯例句
2. Early warnings of rising water levels prevented another major catastrophe.
提前发出的洪水水位上涨警报防止了又一次的重大灾害。
来自《权威词典》
3. I owe it to you that I survived the catastrophe.
亏得你我才大难不死.
来自《简明英汉词典》
4. Their English party turned out to be a catastrophe.