CLIMAX • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Climax

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/klˈaɪmˌæks/ Listen

noun

Climax n.

Upward movement; steady increase; gradation; ascent.

(Rhet.) A figure in which the parts of a sentence or paragraph are so arranged that each succeeding one rises above its predecessor in impressiveness. ""Tribulation worketh patience, patience experience, and experience hope" a happy climax."

The highest point; the greatest degree. "We must look higher for the climax of earthly good."

To cap the climax, to surpass everything, as in excellence or in absurdity. (Colloq.)

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Etymology of 'Climax'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Climax" Quotes from Famous Books

... began to assemble its recollections of the events prior to the dramatic climax, it was surprising how little that was authentic could be recalled. Probably a score of people noted casually the three strangers. Houck was recognized by three or four, Bandy Walker by at least one. The six-foot youngster with them was known by ...

— The Fighting Edge • William MacLeod Raine

... only recovers its appeal, but rises up before him in mute intolerable reproach; and Mildred has scarcely breathed her last in his arms when Tresham succumbs to the poison he has taken in remorse for his hasty act. It is unlucky that this tragic climax, finely conceived as it is, is marred by the unconscious burlesque of his "Ah,—I had forgotten: I am dying." In such things one feels Browning's want of the unerring sureness of a great dramatist at ...

— Robert Browning • C. H. Herford

... stood talking to a group of peasants, telling them the usual story, and at the climax the watch was of course brought out. As it was being passed from one to the other (he holding the chain) there fell upon all a solemn hush. In the meantime Elof had come into the shop, but as every one's attention was riveted upon the watch, no ...

— Jerusalem • Selma Lagerlof

... Stephenson. Ben now began to interfere with every one on the floor, choosing out Tom and Susie for special attention. It was quite evident to Douglas that all tried to keep out of his way, but the more they tried the more Ben was determined to produce a quarrel. The climax was reached when, coming near a young couple, he deliberately surged against them and sent the girl reeling against the ...

— The Unknown Wrestler • H. A. (Hiram Alfred) Cody

... that can be inflicted, rather than abandon His mission; but they were more. They were not merely the penalty which He had to pay for faithfulness to His work; they were themselves the crown and climax of His work. The Son of Man came, indeed, 'not to be ministered to but to minister,' but that, taken alone, is but a maimed view of what He came for, and we must whole-heartedly go on to say as He said, 'and to give His life a ransom ...

— Expositions of Holy Scripture - Isaiah and Jeremiah • Alexander Maclaren

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