Disaster, n.
Etymology: [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.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Disaster, 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.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for disaster; he lists it under accident, blow, catastrophe, misfortune.
Where he writes about it:
Since the unintended is often the undesirable, accident tends to signify some calamity or disaster, unless the contrary is expressed, as when we say a fortunate or happy accident. — from accident
In the metaphorical sense, blow is used for sudden, stunning, staggering calamity or sorrow; stroke for sweeping disaster, and also for sweeping achievement and success. — from blow
In calamity, or disaster, the thought of human suffering is always present. — from catastrophe
Misfortune ordinarily suggests less of suddenness and violence than calamity or disaster, and is especially applied to that which is lingering or enduring in its effects. — from catastrophe
Yet such an event, if not a calamity to the race, will always involve much individual disaster and misfortune. — from catastrophe
Pestilence is a calamity; a defeat in battle, a shipwreck, or a failure in business is a disaster; sickness or loss of property is a misfortune; failure to meet a friend is a mischance; the breaking of a teacup is a mishap. — from catastrophe
Calamity and disaster are used of sudden and severe misfortunes, often overwhelming; ill fortune and ill luck, of lighter troubles and failures. — from misfortune