turning point

American  

noun

1. a point at which a decisive change takes place; critical point; crisis.

2. a point at which something changes direction, especially a high or low point on a graph.

3. Surveying. a point temporarily located and marked in order to establish the elevation or position of a surveying instrument at a new station.

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turning point British  

noun

1. a moment when the course of events is changed

   the turning point of his career

2. a point at which there is a change in direction or motion

3. maths a stationary point at which the first derivative of a function changes sign, so that typically its graph does not cross a horizontal tangent

4. surveying a point to which a foresight and a backsight are taken in levelling; change point

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Etymology

Origin of turning point

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

The realization was cemented six months later after Pearl Harbor by the Battle of Midway, when carrier-launched aircraft decimated the Japanese fleet in what is largely considered a decisive turning point in the Pacific war.

From Los Angeles Times

His journey marked a crucial turning point for India's ambitions in space exploration.

From BBC

These animals represent some of the earliest examples of land-based species adapting to life far from shore, marking a critical turning point in vertebrate evolution.

From Science Daily

Yet “Mothership Connection” was a turning point, ushering in a new era of stage flamboyance and freewheeling, long-form funk and versatility.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Times reported last week that the Playoff selection earlier this month proved to be a turning point for USC’s administration in talks with Notre Dame.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• climax
• critical point
• crux
• culmination
• juncture
• twist