climax

American  

[klahy-maks] / ˈklaɪ mæks /

noun

1. the highest or most intense point in the development or resolution of something; culmination.

   His career reached its climax when he was elected president.

   Synonyms:

   apex, acme, zenith, summit

2. (in a dramatic or literary work) a decisive moment that is of maximum intensity or is a major turning point in a plot.

3. Rhetoric.

   1. a figure consisting of a series of related ideas so arranged that each surpasses the preceding in force or intensity.

   2. the last term or member of this figure.

4. an orgasm.

5. Ecology. the stable and self-perpetuating end stage in the ecological succession or evolution of a plant and animal community.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. to bring to or reach a climax.

climax British  

/ ˈklaɪmæks /

noun

1. the most intense or highest point of an experience or of a series of events

   the party was the climax of the week

2. a decisive moment in a dramatic or other work

3. a rhetorical device by which a series of sentences, clauses, or phrases are arranged in order of increasing intensity

4. ecology the stage in the development of a community during which it remains stable under the prevailing environmental conditions

5. Also called: sexual climax.  (esp in referring to women) another word for orgasm

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verb

1. to reach or bring to a climax

Usage

What does climax mean? A climax is the most intense, decisive point of something, especially in a story or film.

Other Word Forms

• hyperclimax noun
• unclimaxed adjective

Etymology

Origin of climax

First recorded in 1580–90; from Late Latin, from Greek klîmax “ladder,” akin to klī́nein “to lean”

Example Sentences

Listen to Blade Bird: The album's swooning climax, based on a Basque poem about the tension between love and possession.

From BBC

The song’s climax — Estrada’s lustrous voice intertwined with a swelling orchestral arrangement — will probably bring tears to your eyes.

From Los Angeles Times

That opening motif returns at the very end, suggesting that Robert has some second thoughts about selling his soul, but they are quickly suppressed in the noisy, triumphant climax.

From The Wall Street Journal

Terrence McNally, a master of direct address, intensifies the emotional climax of his play by having his characters step forward and explain how and when they will die.

From Los Angeles Times

The climax to the Formula 1 world championship could hardly be better set up after the three title contenders qualified together at the front of the grid for Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

From BBC

Related Words

• capstone
• turning point