Last modified on August 28, 2013, at 11:22

Aposiopesis

Aposiopesis is a rhetorical device which involves a breaking-off of speech, frequently because of rising emotion. The speaker leaves the conclusion of the statement to the imagination of the audience. Aposiopesis is typically denoted with an ellipsis or a dash.

Examples of Aposiopesis

"If you weren't family...!"

"Why, I oughtta...!"

"One of these days...!"

"Or else...!"