Cliffhanger: meaning, definitions and examples
๐งโโ๏ธ
cliffhanger
[ หklษชfหhรฆลษr ]
storytelling, suspense
A cliffhanger is a dramatic and suspenseful situation at the end of a story, episode, or chapter that leaves the audience in suspense as to what will happen next. It often involves a character in a precarious or uncertain situation, creating a tension that encourages the audience to continue following the story. Cliffhangers can be used in various forms of media, including books, films, television shows, and comic books. This technique is especially popular in serialized storytelling, where anticipation for subsequent installments is heightened.
Synonyms
drama, suspense, tension, uncertainty
Examples of usage
- The movie ended with a cliffhanger, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the sequel.
- The season finale had a cliffhanger that shocked all viewers.
- The book's last chapter ended on a cliffhanger, making it impossible to put down.
- The writer is known for incorporating cliffhangers in all of her books.
Translations
Translations of the word "cliffhanger" in other languages:
๐ต๐น suspense
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเคธเฅเคชเฅเคเคธ
๐ฉ๐ช Cliffhanger
๐ฎ๐ฉ suspense
๐บ๐ฆ ะบะปัััั ะตะฝะณะตั
๐ต๐ฑ cliffhanger
๐ฏ๐ต ใฏใชใใใณใฌใผ
๐ซ๐ท cliffhanger
๐ช๐ธ cliffhanger
- suspenso
- final impactante
๐น๐ท cliffhanger
๐ฐ๐ท ํด๋ฆฌํํ์ด
๐ธ๐ฆ ููุงูุฉ ู ุซูุฑุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ cliffhanger
๐ธ๐ฐ cliffhanger
๐จ๐ณ ๆฌๅฟต
๐ธ๐ฎ cliffhanger
๐ฎ๐ธ cliffhanger
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบะปะธััั ะตะฝะณะตั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแคแฐแแแแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ cliffhanger
๐ฒ๐ฝ cliffhanger
- suspenso
- final impactante
Etymology
The term 'cliffhanger' originated from the early 20th-century serialized stories where a main character was left in a dangerous situation, often literally hanging off a cliff, at the end of an episode or chapter. This suspenseful technique was designed to keep readers engaged and eager to find out what happened next. The phrase gained popularity in the 1920s and was commonly used in the context of film serials, where episodes would end with a question of survival or resolution for the protagonist. The method has since been adopted across various entertainment mediums, becoming a staple in mystery and action genres. Over the years, cliffhangers have evolved from their literal origins into more metaphorical uses, but the fundamental aim remains the same: to create suspense and entice the audience to return.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,165, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.
- ...
- 40162 kowtowed
- 40163 jonquil
- 40164 calisthenic
- 40165 cliffhanger
- 40166 dibbling
- 40167 blackball
- 40168 embrocation
- ...