catastrophism
/kəˈtæstrəfɪzəm/
noun
- The scientific theory that the Earth's geological features were formed by sudden, violent events such as floods, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions, rather than by slow, gradual processes.
- Catastrophism was a popular explanation for fossils before the theory of uniformitarianism became widely accepted.
- The idea of catastrophism suggests that a single massive flood could have carved out canyons.
- Some modern scientists combine elements of catastrophism with gradual change to explain mass extinctions.
- A belief or tendency to expect or predict disastrous events or outcomes.
- Constant catastrophism in the news can make people feel anxious about the future.
- The politician's catastrophism about the economy scared many voters.
- His catastrophism leads him to think every small problem will turn into a major crisis.