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| The Deluge Francis Danby (1793-1861) |
CATACLYSM
Noun. Early 17th century.
[French cataclysme from Latin cataclysmos from Greek kataklusmos deluge, formed as CATA- + kluzein to wash.]
A violent geological or meteorological event;
the Flood (in Genesis);
figuratively a political or social upheaval.
figuratively a political or social upheaval.
Also:
cataclysmal adj. M19
cataclysmic adj. M19
cataclysmically adv. L19
In everyday language, we can have a tendency to overuse cataclysmic language, dramatically describing events as apocalyptic, a disaster, or a calamity, even when they're nowhere near being such - "If I don't put that letter in the post, it'll be an absolute disaster." The origin of cataclysm, however, carrying the connotation of washing away or washing down, has found appropriate applications in violent natural disasters such as the truly cataclysmic tsunamis in Japan and Asia.
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I love that painting.
ReplyDeleteIt's apocalyptically good!
I'm bracing myself for the imminent backlash from the catachrestic police.
DeleteI rather liked it too, A.N - although I don't know what that red thing is in the background (not that I think anyone in the painting is that concerned about it).
DeleteIt's a very powerful painting.
DeleteI noticed the red thing too as it really stands out, and was curious, so a-searching I went!
Apparently, it's the Setting Sun
Thank you Jingles! Yes, that's makes sense - the sun setting on the old world.
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