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”

Explanation

When something — like a movie or piece of music — reaches its most important or exciting part, that's the climax. A climax is a high point. When you're on a roller coaster and you reach the highest point, that's the climax of the ride. This word is also used often in art and entertainment. In an adventure movie, there's usually a moment near the end when there's a lot of danger, suspense, and action — a point the whole movie has been building towards. That's the climax. After a climax, tension is released and things calm down. After a climax, you probably want to say "Whew!"

Example Sentences

For another horror film, one with less demonstrated interest in getting under the audience’s skin, this kitchen-sink climax could make for a memorable final act.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

The spotlight is also on what might be needed if Wrexham do get there with defender Zak Vyner speaking of 11 cup games remaining as the Championship season reaches its climax.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

He was also one of Morocco's superstars during the Africa Cup of Nations, with the host team making it to the final where they lost in a chaotic climax to the tournament to Senegal.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

But stasis doesn’t make for much of a climax, and as the couple wait in the snowbound airport, the setting also functions as a metaphor for the film as a whole.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

It took almost an hour and was the climax to a long evening of effort.

From "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli

Related Words

• capstone
• turning point