1. extremely harmful; bringing physical or financial ruin (Freq. 1) - a catastrophic depression - catastrophic illness - a ruinous course of action • Syn: catastrophic • Similar to: harmful • Derivationally related forms: ruin 2. causing injury or blight; especially affecting with sudden violence or plague or ruin - the blasting effects of the intense cold on the budding fruit - the blasting force of the wind blowing sharp needles of sleet in our faces - a ruinous war • Syn: blasting • Similar to: destructive
