catastasis

[ kuh-tas-tuh-sis ]
/ kəˈtæs tə sɪs /

noun, plural ca·tas·ta·ses [kuh-tas-tuh-seez] /kəˈtæs təˌsiz/.

the part of a drama, preceding the catastrophe, in which the action is at its height; the climax of a play. Compare catastrophe(def 4), epitasis, protasis.

Origin of catastasis

1650–60; < Greek katástasis stability, akin to kathistánai to make stand, settle. See cata-, stasis

Words nearby catastasis

catarrhal gastritis, catarrhal inflammation, catarrhine, catastalsis, catastaltic, catastasis, catastrophe, catastrophe theory, catastrophic, catastrophic reaction, catastrophism

Example sentences from the Web for catastasis

  • Consider therefore this pitiable Twentieth of June as a futility; no catastrophe, rather a catastasis, or heightening.

    The French Revolution |Thomas Carlyle