peripeteia

[ per-uh-pi-tahy-uh, -tee-uh ]

noun

1. a sudden turn of events or an unexpected reversal, especially in a literary work.

peripeteia

/ pəˈrɪpətɪ; -ˈtɪə; ˌpɛrɪpɪˈtaɪə /

noun

1. (esp in drama) an abrupt turn of events or reversal of circumstances

Derived Forms

• ˌperipeˈteian, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of peripeteia¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from Greek peripéteia “sudden change,” equivalent to peripet(ḗs) literally, “falling round” ( peri- peri- + pet-, base of píptein “to fall”) + -eia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of peripeteia¹

C16: from Greek, from peri- + piptein to fall (to change suddenly, literally: to fall around)

Example Sentences

Now then for anagnorisis, comic peripeteia, division into acts, and the rest of the wallet!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• climax
• critical point
• crux
• culmination
• juncture
• twist