Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CA-TAS'TRO-PHE, or CA-TAS'TRO-PHY, n. [Gr. καταστροφη, an end or overthrowing, from καταστρεφω, to subvert; κατα and στρεφω.]

1. The change or revolution which produces the final event of a dramatic piece; or the unfolding and winding up of the plot, clearing up difficulties, and closing the play. The ancients divided a play into the protasis, epitasis, catastasis, and catastrophy; the introduction, continuance, heightening, and development or conclusion. – Johnson. Encyc.
2. A final event; conclusion; generally, an unfortunate conclusion, calamity, or disaster.