epoch-making
adjEtymology Calque of German epochemachend.
1
Constituting an epoch; opening a new era; introducing new conceptions or a new method in the treatment of a subject; highly novel and influential.
- The play itself was "sound," though not epoch-making. The performance of the leading lady was satisfactory and exactly what was to be expected from her.1923, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], “(please specify the page)”, in The Eyes of Max Carrados, London: Grant Richards, →OCLC:
- Equally to be expected, in view of the trend of Government legislation and pronouncements over the past few years—but no less epoch-making for that—is the proposal that the railways and canals shall cease to be common carriers and be entirely free to fix their own passenger and freight charges, […].1961 December, “Editorial: Führerprinzip for nationalised transport”, in Trains Illustrated, page 705:
1 more example
- The prime minister, Tony Blair, described the terrorist attacks on America as having "epoch-making proportions" as parliament was recalled for an emergency session today.2001 September 14, Matthew Tempest, quoting Tony Blair, “Blair: attacks are of 'epoch-making proportions'”, in The Guardian:
- Synonyms
- earthshaking, earthshattering