'catastrophe' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'katastrophē,' where 'kata-' meant 'down' and 'strophē' meant 'turning.'

'katastrophē' transformed into the Latin word 'catastrophē,' and eventually became the modern English word 'catastrophe' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'an overturning or sudden turn,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a disaster or complete failure.'