catastasis

[ kuh-tas-tuh-sis ]

noun

, plural ca·tas·ta·ses [k, uh, -, tas, -t, uh, -seez].

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of catastasis¹

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

Example Sentences

He well understood the Rules of the Stage, or rather those of Nature; was perfectly Regular, wonderful exact and careful in ordering each Protasis or Entrance, Epitasis or working up, Catastasis or heighth, and Catastrophe or unravelling the Plot; which last he was famous for making it spring necessarily from the Incidents, and neatly and dextrously untying the Knot, whilst others of a grosser make, would either tear, or cut it in pieces.

From Project Gutenberg

The Catastasis or Counter-turn, which destroys that expectation, embroils the action in new difficulties, and leaves you far distant from that hope in which it found you: as you may have observed in a violent stream, resisted by a narrow passage; it turns round to an eddy, and carries back the waters with more swiftness than it brought them on.

From Project Gutenberg

It doubles itself in the middle of his life, reflects itself in another, repeats itself, protasis, epitasis, catastasis, catastrophe.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg