Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| καταστροφή | katastrofí | /ka.ta.stroˈfi/ | feminine |
| αφανισμός | afanismós | ||
| χαλασμός | chalasmós | ||
| κατεδάφιση | katedáfisi | ||
| συντριβή | syntriví | feminine |
The word καταστροφή is a versatile term used for both physical destruction and the concept of a catastrophe. It is the standard and most commonly used word for destruction in Greek.
Which one should you use?
While καταστροφή is the general term, other words are used for specific types of destruction. Use αφανισμός for total annihilation or obliteration, such as the complete wiping out of an army or a population. Use συντριβή when the destruction involves crushing, smashing or breaking something into many small pieces. For the spoiling, ruin or decay of something, often in a less violent or more figurative sense, use χαλασμός. Additionally, κατεδάφιση is a specific form for destruction.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ka.ta.stroˈfi/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- The term αφανισμός comes from the Greek word for 'invisible'. To 'destroy' something in this sense is literally to make it vanish or become invisible to the world.
- The word καταστροφή is the direct ancestor of the English word 'catastrophe'. In Ancient Greek, it originally referred to a 'turning over' or a sudden reversal of fortune in a play.
- Greek uses συντριβή for both the physical crushing of an object and a crushing military defeat. This mirrors the English use of 'shattering' but applies it specifically to the act of 'rubbing' or 'grinding' something down.
Examples in context
- Αυτός ερευνά τα αίτια της καταστροφής.He researches the causes of the destruction.This sentence is useful for seeing how to talk about the causes of the destruction with καταστροφή.Tatoeba #11553816 by carlosalberto, translation #11553804 by carlosalberto
- Η καταστροφή του περιβάλλοντος είναι μεγάλη.The destruction of the environment is big.This sentence is useful for describing the destruction of the environment with καταστροφή.Tatoeba #11426758 by carlosalberto, translation #11426731 by carlosalberto
- Η καταστροφή μεγάλων αστικών κέντρων θα έχει μεγάλες επιπτώσεις.The destruction of major urban centers will have significant consequences.
- Ο πόλεμος φέρνει αφανισμό και τραγωδία.War brings obliteration and tragedy.
- Οι αλλαγές στο κανονισμό έφεραν χαμό.The changes in the regulations caused destruction/mayhem.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a news report about a fire.
- Κώστας KostasΕίδες τις ειδήσεις για την πυρκαγιά;Eídes tis eidíseis gia tin pyrkagiá?Did you see the news about the fire?
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΝαι, η καταστροφή στο δάσος είναι τρομερή.Nai, i katastrofí sto dásos eínai tromerí.Yes, the destruction in the forest is terrible.
- Κώστας KostasΕίναι πολύ λυπητερό για τα ζώα.Eínai polý lypitéro gia ta zóa.It is very sad for the animals.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΣυμφωνώ, Κώστα, είναι μια τραγωδία.Symfonó, Kósta, eínai mia tragódia.I agree, Kostas, it is a tragedy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “destruction” translations and entries καταστροφή, αφανισμός, συντριβή, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries καταστροφή, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
