Erotesis \Er`o*te"sis\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? a questioning, fr. ? to ask.] (Rhet.) A figure o? speech by which a strong affirmation of the contrary, is implied under the form o? an earnest interrogation, as in the following lines; Must I give way and room to your rash choler? Shall I be frighted when a madman stares? --Shak.