climax
climax Lexical Profile
climax Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The most intense, exciting, or important point of something; a culmination or apex.
"The breathtaking fireworks display served as the thrilling climax of the summer festival."
The major turning point in a plot or narrative where the highest tension and conflict are reached.
"In the climax of the novel, the protagonist finally confronts her lifelong nemesis in an abandoned warehouse."
A stable, mature ecological community of plants and animals that has reached equilibrium after a process of ecological succession.
"The old-growth redwood forest represents a climax community, characterized by massive trees and diverse, stable understory vegetation."
• verb
To reach the most intense, exciting, or important point of an event or progression.
"The long-standing feud between the two political factions climaxed in a dramatic and highly publicized debate."
To bring something to its peak or highest point of intensity.
"The composer climaxed the symphony with a deafening and triumphant major chord."
Word Nuance & Usage
Take care not to confuse the related adjective 'climactic' (pertaining to a narrative climax or peak) with 'climatic' (pertaining to climate or weather patterns).
• Rhymes for climax
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Late Latin 'climax', borrowed from ancient Greek 'klimax' meaning 'ladder' or 'staircase', which is derived from the root 'klinein' (to lean or slope).