Definition of cataclysmic

"Cataclysmic" comes from the Greek word "kataklysmos," meaning "deluge" or "inundation." It was originally used to describe the biblical Flood, a catastrophic event. Over time, it expanded to encompass any sudden, violent, and destructive event. The term was popularized in the 19th century, coinciding with geological discoveries about catastrophic events like meteor impacts. Today, it's used for a range of dramatic occurrences, from natural disasters to societal upheavals.