antanaclasis

noun

ant·​anac·​la·​sis ˌan-tə-ˈna-klə-səs 

: the repetition of a word within a phrase or sentence in which the second occurrence utilizes a different and sometimes contrary meaning from the first

… believes the "Word" … in John 1:1 represents the figure antanaclasis … and changes its meaning each time it is repeated in a manner similar to Ben Franklin's quip, "We must all hang together or most assuredly we shall all hang separately."

—Ventura County Star, 6 Sept. 1997

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin (cited in Greek form in Quintilian), borrowed from Greek antanáklasis "reflection, echo," from ant- anti- entry 1 + anáklasis "bending back, reflection"

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!