[f. CATASTROPHE 3 + -ISM.] The theory that certain geological and biological phenomena were caused by catastrophes, or sudden and violent disturbances of nature, rather than by continuous and uniform processes.
1869. Huxley, in Sci. Opinion, 21 April, 464/1. By Catastrophism I mean any form of geological speculation which … supposes the operation of forces different in their nature … from those which we at present see in action.
1883. H. Drummond, Nat. Law in Spir. W., 19. It was the Geology of Catastrophism.
fig. 1885. Century Mag., XXXI. 68. The Craig household … was conducted on the theory of ‘catastrophism’ rather than that of ‘uniform law.’
