epizeuxis

[ep-i-zook-sis]

noun

Rhetoric.

1. a literary or rhetorical device that appeals to or invokes the reader’s or listener’s emotions through the repetition of words or phrases in quick succession, as in “Threaten me all you want, I won’t do it. I won’t! I won’t! I won’t!”

Word History and Origins

Origin of epizeuxis¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from New Latin, from Greek epízeuxis “fastening together, joining, repetition (of words),” equivalent to prefix epi- and zeûxis “yoking (of oxen), joining,” verbal noun from zeugnýnai “to yoke, join”; epi- ( def. ); hypozeuxis ( def. ), yoke ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Open a dictionary for the obscure but clearly defined literary devices that John Grant riffles through in “Rhetorical Figure” — yes, “epizeuxis” and “paraprosodokians” mean something.

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They spelled from the grammars, hyperbole, synecdoche, and epizeuxis.

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Of the remaining long list of figures, the Irish are particularly disposed to the epizeuxis, as 'indeed, indeed—at all, at all,' and antanaclasis, or double meaning.

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The remainder of the first book deals with meter and verse forms, baldly of prose rhythm, epizeuxis, conceited verses, and various rhetorical figures.

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