n.
(pl. tragedies)
- an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress.
- a serious play with an unhappy ending, especially one concerning the downfall of the main character.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. tragedie, via L. from Gk tragōidia, appar. from tragos ‘goat’ (the reason remains unexplained) + ōidē ‘song, ode’.