Fulminate: meaning, definitions and examples

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fulminate

 

[ ˈfʌl.mɪ.neɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

express anger

To fulminate means to express vehement protest. It originates from the Latin word 'fulminare,' which means to strike with lightning. In contemporary usage, it often refers to verbal denunciations or criticisms that are intense and forceful. People may fulminate against policies they consider unjust or against social issues they are passionate about. Such expressions can be found in political discourse, literature, and casual conversations.

Synonyms

berate, denounce, protest, rage

Examples of usage

  • He fulminated against the new law during the meeting.
  • The critics fulminated about the artist's latest exhibition.
  • She fulminated in her blog about the government's response to climate change.
Context #2 | Verb

explode violently

Fulminate can also mean to explode with a loud noise or to detonate. In this context, it is often used to describe something that blows up violently, such as a bomb or a volatile substance. This meaning is less common but is still relevant, especially in scientific discussions or descriptions of chemical reactions. It evokes a sense of suddenness and force.

Synonyms

blow up, detonate, explode

Examples of usage

  • The chemical fulminated unexpectedly in the lab.
  • When ignited, the compound can fulminate rapidly.
  • The explosives were designed to fulminate upon impact.

Translations

Translations of the word "fulminate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fulminar

🇮🇳 फुलमिनेट

🇩🇪 fulminieren

🇮🇩 fulminate

🇺🇦 фулмінувати

🇵🇱 fulminować

🇯🇵 フルミネートする

🇫🇷 fulminer

🇪🇸 fulminar

🇹🇷 fulminate

🇰🇷 풀미네이트하다

🇸🇦 يفجر

🇨🇿 fulminovat

🇸🇰 fulminovať

🇨🇳 猛烈抨击

🇸🇮 fulminirati

🇮🇸 fulminate

🇰🇿 фулминат

🇬🇪 ფულმინატი

🇦🇿 fulminate

🇲🇽 fulminar

Etymology

The word 'fulminate' stems from the Latin verb 'fulminare,' which means ‘to flash with lightning’. The roots of this term can be traced further back to 'fulmen,' meaning 'lightning' or 'thunderbolt.' This connection highlights the dramatic and intense nature associated with the word. Initially, in the late 16th century, it was particularly used in contexts related to chemistry and explosions. Eventually, by the 19th century, it evolved to include figurative language, especially in political or social criticism, where individuals would fulminate against injustices or unpopular decisions. The dual meanings—both explosive and expressive—demonstrate how language evolves over time to encompass both literal and metaphorical forms of intensity.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,094 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.