VocabDictionary

Rubicon

/ˈruːbɪkɒn/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A limit or boundary that, when passed or crossed, commits a person to an irreversible course of action.

Example Sentences:
  • When the CEO signed the merger agreement, she knew the company had crossed the Rubicon.
  • Resigning from his position without a backup plan was his personal Rubicon.
Share & Learn With Friends

Share “Rubicon” with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “Rubicon”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Rubico, a shallow river in northeastern Italy. In 49 BC, Julius Caesar led his army across the river, which marked the boundary of his province of Italy, thus committing an act of war against the Roman Senate and making civil war inevitable. Crossing the Rubicon has since become a metaphor for passing a point of no return.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'RUB I CONfront': when you cross the Rubicon, you rub out the past and confront an irreversible future.

Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “Rubicon

1. What is the meaning of “Rubicon” in English?

In English, Rubicon (noun) is defined as: “A limit or boundary that, when passed or crossed, commits a person to an irreversible course of action.”.

2. How do you use “Rubicon” in a sentence?

When the CEO signed the merger agreement, she knew the company had crossed the Rubicon.

3. What are English synonyms of “Rubicon”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “Rubicon”?

Derived from the Rubico, a shallow river in northeastern Italy. In 49 BC, Julius Caesar led his army across the river, which marked the boundary of his province of Italy, thus committing an act of war against the Roman Senate and making civil war inevitable. Crossing the Rubicon has since become a metaphor for passing a point of no return.