climax
n. · v.-
1 peak of a story or event (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe most exciting or important part of a book, movie, or event, usually near the end.
the culmination of a narrative's rising action or the turning point of a sequence of events.
ExampleThe movie's climax was a tense chase through the city streets.
ExampleThe novel reaches its emotional climax when the two protagonists finally confront their shared past in the ruins of their childhood home.
- anticlimax
- beginning
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2 sexual peak (n.) C1 Advanced Formalthe moment of greatest pleasure during sex.
the physical and emotional peak of sexual excitement; often used as a formal or polite term for an orgasm.
ExampleThe book discussed the physical changes that happen during climax.
ExampleMedical texts often use the term climax to describe the physiological responses associated with the peak of sexual activity.
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3 stable environment (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Sciencea stable group of plants and animals that has finished growing and changing.
the final, stable stage of biotic succession in a given environment.
ExampleThe old oak forest is a perfect example of a climax community.
ExampleIn ecological terms, a climax forest represents a state of equilibrium where the species composition remains relatively stable unless disturbed by external forces.
UsageOften used as a modifier, as in 'climax community' or 'climax forest'.
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4 to reach a peak (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto reach the most exciting or important point.
to reach a point of highest intensity or to culminate in a specific result.
ExampleThe festival will climax with a huge fireworks display on Sunday night.
ExampleThe years of political tension finally climaxed in a series of nationwide protests that forced the government to resign.
UsageOften used with the preposition 'in' or 'with'.
From Latin clīmax, from Ancient Greek κλῖμαξ (klîmax, “ladder, staircase, [rhetorical] climax”), from κλίνω (klínō, “I lean, slant”).
- Nounclimax
- Adjectiveclimactic