1. A rhetorical device in which conjunctions (such as 'and' or 'but') are deliberately omitted from a series of words, phrases, or clauses for stylistic effect.
Usage: literary and rhetorical term; from Greek, meaning 'not bound together'

Examples

• In the phrase 'I came, I saw, I conquered,' the omission of 'and' between clauses is an example of asyndeton.
• The writer used asyndeton to create a sense of urgency: 'The city was loud, crowded, chaotic.'
• Hemingway's sparse style often employed asyndeton to convey directness and power.
• By removing conjunctions, the speaker made the list feel more emphatic: 'Strength, courage, determination—these are what matter.'
• Asyndeton contrasts with polysyndeton, which adds extra conjunctions for a different rhythmic effect.