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.
雙語例句
1. They suffered an electoral catastrophe, winning a paltry 3 seats.
他們在選舉中慘敗，僅獲得微不足道的3個席位。
來自柯林斯例句
2. Early warnings of rising water levels prevented another major catastrophe.
提前發(fā)出的洪水水位上漲警報防止了又一次的重大災害。
來自《權威詞典》
3. I owe it to you that I survived the catastrophe.
虧得你我才大難不死.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
4. Their English party turned out to be a catastrophe.