climax

(noun) the highest point of anything conceived of as growing or developing or unfolding. Synonyms: flood tide. Examples: "The climax of the artist's career." "In the flood tide of his success."

(noun) the decisive moment in a novel or play. Synonyms: culmination. Example: "The deathbed scene is the climax of the play."

(noun) the moment of most intense pleasure in sexual intercourse. Synonyms: orgasm, sexual climax, coming.

(noun) the most severe stage of a disease.

(noun) arrangement of clauses in ascending order of forcefulness.

(verb) end, especially to reach a final or climactic stage. Synonyms: culminate. Example: "The meeting culminated in a tearful embrace."