First Known Use: 1568
Dictionary
disaster
noun di·sas·ter \di-ˈzas-tər, -ˈsas-\
: something (such as a flood, tornado, fire, plane crash, etc.) that happens suddenly and causes much suffering or loss to many people
: something that has a very bad effect or result
: a complete or terrible failure
Full Definition of DISASTER
1
obsolete : an unfavorable aspect of a planet or star
2
: a sudden calamitous event bringing great damage, loss, or destruction; broadly : a sudden or great misfortune or failure <the party was a disaster>
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Origin of DISASTER
Middle French & Old Italian; Middle French desastre, from Old Italian disastro, from dis- (from Latin) + astro star, from Latin astrum — more at astral
Related to DISASTER
- Synonyms
- apocalypse, calamity, cataclysm, catastrophe, debacle (also débâcle), tragedy
- Antonyms
- blockbuster, hit, smash, success, winner
Rhymes with DISASTER
bandmaster, brewmaster, broadcaster, bushmaster, cadastre, choirmaster, court plaster, dockmaster, drillmaster, grand master, headmaster, ironmaster, jumpmaster, linecaster, loadmaster, newscaster, old master, past master, paymaster, piastre, pilaster, postmaster, quizmaster, remaster, ringmaster, sandblaster, schoolmaster, scoutmaster, shinplaster, shipmaster, sportscaster, spymaster, surf caster, taskmaster, toastmaster, truckmaster, webcaster, wharfmaster, whoremaster, yardmaster
DISASTER Defined for Kids
disaster
noun di·sas·ter \diz-ˈas-tər, dis-\
Definition of DISASTER for Kids
: something (as a flood or a tornado) that happens suddenly and causes much suffering or loss
Word History of DISASTER
People who experience bad luck are sometimes said to be “star-crossed.” This expression comes from the belief that the position of the stars and planets has a direct influence on earthly events. The origins of the word disaster can be traced to this same belief. Disaster is borrowed from disastro, an Italian word formed from the negative prefix dis- and the noun astro, meaning “star.” Disastro originally referred to an unfortunate event, such as a military defeat, that took place when certain heavenly bodies were in an unlucky position.
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