climax
/ˈklaɪmæks/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈklaɪmæks/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈklī-ˌmaks/ (ame, mw) · /ˈklaɪ.mæks/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈklaɪ.mæks/ (ame, ipa)
climax — noun
- climaxsingular
- climaxesplural
1. the most intense or important moment in a story, event, or performance — for exa
the most intense or important moment in a story, event, or performance — for example, the final scene of a play where the main conflict is solved, or the last match of a competition that decides the winner.
The film's climax left the audience completely silent for several seconds.
climax of a film — dramatic pause effect
The election campaign reached its climax on the night of the final debate.
reach + possessive + climax
In the novel's climax, the detective finally names the person who committed the crime.
The symphony built slowly to a powerful climax that made the whole hall erupt in applause.
- peak
more general — can refer to any high point, not just a final one
- summit
more formal; often literal (mountain top) or figurative (summit meeting)
- culmination
emphasises the end result of a process rather than the excitement
- anticlimax
a disappointing end after a buildup that promised more
文法句型
the climax of [noun phrase]
reach a climax
come to a climax
build to a climax
用法筆記
Often preceded by 'come to', 'reach', or 'build to'. Commonly used with of-phrases ('the climax of the story'). Distinguish from noun sense 2 (ORGASM) by context: if the subject is a story, film, game, or event, it is this sense.
常見錯誤
2. the highest point of sexual excitement, when the body releases built-up physical
the highest point of sexual excitement, when the body releases built-up physical tension and produces a very strong feeling of pleasure.
The couple reached climax at nearly the same moment during their intimate evening together.
reach climax = formal synonym for orgasm
Some people find it hard to achieve climax during their first sexual experiences.
achieve climax
The sex education class explained that climax can feel different for everyone.
Dr. Okafor told her patient that stress often makes it harder to reach a satisfying climax.
文法句型
reach climax
achieve climax
a satisfying climax
用法筆記
More formal than 'come'. In casual conversation, speakers usually use the verb 'come' instead. Avoid using this sense in academic writing about literature or film, where sense 1 (HIGHLIGHT) is the intended meaning.
常見錯誤
climax — verb
- climaxpresent simple I / you / we / they
- climaxes3rd person singular
- climaxing-ing form
- climaxedpast simple
1. to reach the most intense and exciting final stage of a process or event — for e
to reach the most intense and exciting final stage of a process or event — for example, when months of training end with a big competition, or when a long political campaign finishes with a final vote.
The three-day music festival climaxed with a spectacular fireworks show over the lake.
climax + with + [event]
Her years of training climaxed when she stood on the podium to receive an Olympic medal.
climaxed when + [clause]
The political crisis climaxed in the prime minister's surprise resignation.
A week of celebration will climax on Saturday with a huge parade through the city center.
- begin
the start of a process, opposite of its final peak
文法句型
climax with [event]
climax in [result]
climax when [clause]
be climaxed by [event]
用法筆記
Frequently used with 'with' (climax with something) or 'in' (climax in something). The subject is usually a process, series of events, or period of time. The passive form 'be climaxed by' also occurs in more formal writing.
常見錯誤
2. to reach the highest point of sexual excitement, when the body releases built-up
to reach the highest point of sexual excitement, when the body releases built-up tension and produces intense pleasure.
Many couples find that relaxing together helps them climax more easily.
climax = formal verb for reaching orgasm
The patient never climaxed during sex until she found the right type of stimulation.
The therapist explained simple techniques that can help people climax together.
After years of shame, the young man finally learned to relax and climax without anxiety.
- come
informal everyday equivalent; far more common in casual speech
文法句型
climax during [activity]
climax with [person]
用法筆記
More formal than 'come'. In casual conversation, 'come' is far more common. Appropriate in sex education, medical consultations, and relationship advice writing. Do not use in literary analysis — that context calls for verb sense 1 (CULMINATE).