prolepsis

/proʊˈlɛpsɪs/
noun
  1. The anticipation and answering of a possible objection or argument before it is raised.
    • Prolepsis is a common technique in debates to strengthen one's position.
    • In her essay, she employed prolepsis by saying, 'Some might argue that...' and then refuting it.
    • The speaker used prolepsis to address doubts the audience might have had.
  2. The representation of a future event as if it has already happened; a flash-forward in storytelling.
    • The novel begins with a prolepsis, showing the protagonist as an old man before telling his younger story.
    • Writers use prolepsis to create suspense or give the audience a glimpse of what is to come.
    • In the movie, a brief prolepsis reveals the outcome of the trial early on.
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