deus ex machina

[dey-uhs eks mah-kuh-nuh, dee-uhs eks mak-uh-nuh]

noun

1. (in ancient Greek and Roman drama) a god introduced into a play to resolve the entanglements of the plot.

2. any artificial or improbable device resolving the difficulties of a plot.

deus ex machina

/ ˈdeɪʊs ɛks ˈmækɪnə /

noun

1. (in ancient Greek and Roman drama) a god introduced into a play to resolve the plot

2. any unlikely or artificial device serving this purpose

Word History and Origins

Origin of deus ex machina¹

1690–1700; < New Latin literally, god from a machine (i.e., stage machinery from which a deity's statue was lowered), as translation of Greek apò mēchanês theós (Demosthenes), theòs ek mēchanês (Menander), etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of deus ex machina¹

literally: god out of a machine, translating Greek theos ek mēkhanēs

Example Sentences

There will be no deus ex machina moment or big plot twist where the hero saves the American people.

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Although some have deluded themselves into thinking the contrary, there will be no deus ex machina moment to stop this from happening.

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I am not a believer in in the deus ex machina or the exterior forces coming to solve your problems.

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The production, which was at the Park Avenue Armory earlier this season, has arrived at the St. James Theatre in the role of deus ex machina, rescuing Broadway from its hidebound habits.

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The deus ex machina of assisted reproduction can be a blessing or a curse, depending on the god who sent the machine.

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