defining moment

English

Noun

defining moment (plural defining moments)

1. A moment in time that defines something, such as a person's success or failure, achievement or demise, talent, etc.
2. A point at which the essential nature or character of a person, group, etc., is revealed or identified.

See also

• critical mass
• killer app
• make-or-break
• moment of truth
• career-defining

References

• “defining moment”, in Cambridge English Dictionary, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: Cambridge University Press, 1999–present.
• “defining moment”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.