deus
n. countablen. the Latin word for a god. It is most often seen in the phrase 'deus ex machina', which describes a sudden, lucky solution to a difficult problem.
n. the Latin term for a deity or god. Primarily encountered in the literary and dramatic phrase 'deus ex machina', referring to an unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation.
The writer used a deus ex machina to end the story.
In ancient Greek theatre, a deus would often be lowered onto the stage by a crane to resolve the plot's conflicts.
Critics often disparage the sudden arrival of the cavalry as a lazy deus ex machina that undermines the narrative tension built throughout the preceding chapters.
Almost exclusively used within the fixed Latin phrase 'deus ex machina' in English contexts.
Last updated May 9, 2026