turning point

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.

turning point

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of turning point¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Her observations of chimp violence marked a turning point for primate researchers, who had considered it taboo to talk about chimpanzee behavior in human terms.

From Los Angeles Times

It ended up proving a turning point in his career.

From BBC

“But this Kimmel situation does feel like a turning point, and not because comedians are important, but because we are not,” Oliver continued.

From Salon

Kimmel’s monologue may come to stand as a small but vivid turning point in resisting the privatization of censorship.

From Salon

Yet it proved a pivotal turning point, as many from that group went on to become world champions in 2003.

From BBC

Related Words

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