time paradox

American  

[tahym par-uh-doks] / ˈtaɪm ˌpær ə dɒks /

1. Also called temporal paradox.  (in science fiction) a hypothetical contradiction of cause-and-effect within a timeline that results from traveling back in time, as in the bootstrap paradox or the grandfather paradox.

2. Physics, Thermodynamics. Sometimes paradox of time the contradiction between the concept of time in quantum physics, according to the theory of relativity, where processes are time-symmetric and reversible, and the concept of time in thermodynamics, according to the second law of thermodynamics, where processes have a direction and are irreversible.

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Etymology

Origin of time paradox

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

What’s more, the character of Zurg isn’t all that much of a threat, as it turns out, and the big battle scene is ultimately a way to resolve a time paradox.

From Washington Post • Jun. 14, 2022

Especially with a story like that where there’s natural conflict because of this time paradox.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2022

Surely some elaborate don't-cross-the-streams time paradox is readying to crash down through the immaculate structure's glass ceiling.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2015