In 1511, leaders in Mecca believed coffee stimulated radical thinking and outlawed the drink. In 1524, the leaders overturned that order, and people could drink coffee again.
DISASTER
disaster
(noun) an act that has disastrous consequences
calamity, catastrophe, disaster, tragedy, cataclysm
(noun) an event resulting in great loss and misfortune; “the whole city was affected by the irremediable calamity”; “the earthquake was a disaster”
catastrophe, disaster
(noun) 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”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
disaster (countable and uncountable, plural disasters)
An unexpected natural or man-made catastrophe of substantial extent causing significant physical damage or destruction, loss of life or sometimes permanent change to the natural environment.
An unforeseen event causing great loss, upset or unpleasantness of whatever kind.
Synonyms
• See also disaster
Anagrams
• TARDISes, Tardises, diasters, disastre, disrates, restiads, tardises
Source: Wiktionary
Dis*as"ter, n. Etym: [F. désastre; pref. dés- (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.
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.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
28 May 2025
AIR
(noun) a distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing; “an air of mystery”; “the house had a neglected air”; “an atmosphere of defeat pervaded the candidate’s headquarters”; “the place had an aura of romance”
Coffee Trivia
