Hypertext Webster Gateway: "disaster"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Disaster \Dis*as"ter\, n. [F. d['e]sastre; pref. d['e]s- (L.
dis-) + astre star, fr. L. astrum; a word of astrological
origin. See {Aster}, {Astral}, {Star}.]
1. An unpropitious or baleful aspect of a planet or star;
malevolent influence of a heavenly body; hence, an ill
portent. [Obs.]
Disasters in the sun. --Shak.
2. An adverse or unfortunate event, esp. a sudden and
extraordinary misfortune; a calamity; a serious mishap.
But noble souls, through dust and heat, Rise from
disaster and defeat The stronger. --Longfellow.
Syn: Calamity; misfortune; mishap; mischance; visitation;
misadventure; ill luck. See {Calamity}.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Disaster \Dis*as"ter\, v. t.
1. To blast by the influence of a baleful star. [Obs.] --Sir
P. Sidney.
2. To bring harm upon; to injure. [R.] --Thomson.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
disaster
n 1: a state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and
misfortune; "lack of funds has resulted in a catastrophe
for our school system"; "his policies were a disaster"
[syn: {catastrophe}]
2: an event resulting in great loss and misfortune; "the whole
city was affected by the irremediable calamity"; "the
earthquake was a disaster" [syn: {calamity}, {catastrophe},
{tragedy}, {cataclysm}]
3: an act that has disastrous consequences
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