climax
noun
the highest or most intense point in the development or resolution of something; culmination.
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
First, the controversy has climaxed with the team fresh off its fourth loss and entering a bye.
From New York Times ● Oct. 10, 2011