culminate

[kuhl-muh-neyt]

verb (used without object)

culminated, culminating 

1. to reach the highest point, summit, or highest development (usually followed byin ).

2. to end or arrive at a final stage (usually followed byin ).

   The argument culminated in a fistfight.

3. to rise to or form an apex; terminate (usually followed byin ).

   The tower culminates in a tall spire.

4. Astronomy.,  (of a celestial body) to be on the meridian, or reach the highest or the lowest altitude.

verb (used with object)

culminated, culminating 

1. to bring to a close; complete; climax.

   The president's signature on this bill culminates an eight-year campaign for legislation to help individuals and families finance their long-term disability needs.

culminate

/ ˈkʌlmɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. to end or cause to end, esp to reach or bring to a final or climactic stage

2. (intr) (of a celestial body) to cross the meridian of the observer

Word History and Origins

Origin of culminate¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Late Latin culminātus (past participle of culmināre to come to a peak), equivalent to Latin culmin- (stem of culmen ) “peak, top” + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of culminate¹

C17: from Late Latin culmināre to reach the highest point, from Latin culmen top

Example Sentences

He would be swept up in UC’s capitulation to the 1950s red scare in California, which culminated in the mandate that all faculty sign an anti-communist loyalty oath.

From Los Angeles Times

After Pali fell behind by a touchdown early on, sophomore quarterback Zane Shakarian, the player whose mother’s home had burned, led the team on a drive that culminated in his 43-yard touchdown strike.

From Los Angeles Times

Ex-President Jair Bolsonaro has been convicted of attempting a coup and leading an armed criminal group after losing the last election, which culminated in his supporters attacking government buildings.

From BBC

While the plot failed to enlist enough support from the military to go ahead, it did culminate in the storming of government buildings by Bolsonaro's supporters on 8 January 2023, the justices found.

From BBC

All these elements simmer and boil as “Task” barrels to the inevitable collision of forces, culminating in tense standoffs, a lengthy, adrenalized action sequence and a few shudder-inducing surprises.

From Salon

Related Words

• cap 
• climax 
• conclude 
• end up 
• round off 
• terminate 
• wind up