catabasis Definition
- 1a military retreat
- 2a trip downward
Using catabasis: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "catabasis" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The army's catabasis was a strategic move to avoid further losses.
Example
The catabasis of the submarine was smooth and uneventful.
catabasis Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with catabasis
hero's catabasis
a journey to the underworld, often undertaken by a hero in mythology
Example
In Greek mythology, Orpheus undertakes a hero's catabasis to rescue his wife from the underworld.
catabasis ad inferos
a descent into hell
Example
Dante's Inferno is a catabasis ad inferos, where he descends into the depths of hell.
catabasis exaltata
an ascent after a descent
Example
The film's plot follows the protagonist's catabasis exaltata, where he falls from grace before rising again.
Origins of catabasis
from Greek 'kata' meaning 'down' and 'basis' meaning 'a going' or 'a step'
Summary: catabasis in Brief
'Catabasis' [kəˈtabəsɪs] refers to a military retreat or a downward journey. It can also refer to a hero's journey to the underworld, as in Orpheus' catabasis to rescue his wife. The term is often used in literature and mythology, such as Dante's Inferno, which is a catabasis ad inferos. 'Catabasis exaltata' refers to an ascent after a descent.
