peripeteia
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
- peripeteian adjective
Etymology
Origin of peripeteia
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
Explanation
A peripeteia is a point at which a major change occurs, especially a plot twist in a book. Most plays, movies, and novels include a peripeteia that keeps the reader or audience interested in the story. In the fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel," the moment when the witch reveals herself to be evil, rather than a kind old woman living in a house made of candy, is a classic peripeteia. The twist in the story provides an exciting conflict for the main characters and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Peripeteia is a Greek word that means "a turn right about" or "a sudden change," from peri, "around" and piptein, "to fall."
Vocabulary lists containing peripeteia
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Drama Terminology
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Around and Around: Peri
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That was called peripeteia, meaning a dramatic reversal of fortune.
From Salon • Jun. 10, 2025
But the most crucial element of tragedy as he saw it was peripeteia: reversals of fortune.
From The Guardian • Jun. 21, 2013
To allow oneself to be twisted this way and that by peripeteia is one of the great pleasures of courtroom dramas.
From The Guardian • Jun. 21, 2013
There must needs be a swift transition, a clash and change from sorrow to joy, what the Greeks called a peripeteia, a quick-turn-round, because, though you carry out Winter, you bring in Summer.
From Ancient Art and Ritual by Harrison, Jane Ellen
Justinian treated for peace; and then followed a strange peripeteia, which we have, happily, from an eye-witness, Procopius himself.
From Roman and the Teuton by Kingsley, Charles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
