Fulminate
/ˈfʊlməˌneɪt/
verbC1
Definition
To fulminate is to speak or shout with great anger or strong criticism about something. It often means to complain loudly or protest with strong words. This word is used when someone is very upset and wants others to hear their strong feelings.
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See It in Action
To loudly express strong anger or criticism
- •The politician fulminated against the new law during the debate.
- •She fulminated about the unfair treatment she received at work.
- •The teacher fulminated at the students for being late.
(Less common) To explode suddenly or flash like lightning (used in scientific or literary contexts)
- •The old engine fulminated with a loud bang.
- •Lightning seemed to fulminate across the sky during the storm.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "fulminate" like "shout," but much stronger and full of anger or strong opinion.
- ✓Picture a person standing on a stage, loudly criticizing something with energy and passion.
- ✓It’s the feeling when you are very angry and want to make your voice heard clearly.
- ✓Sounds like "FULL-men-nate" → imagine a man full of strong words exploding out like thunder.
- ✓Imagine a news reporter or a character in a movie who angrily talks about problems without holding back.
- ✓NOT like "whisper" (quiet and soft), fulminate is loud and forceful.
- ✓NOT like "complain" (can be quiet or calm), fulminate is loud and strong.
- ✓NOT like "argue" (may be calm or polite), fulminate is more emotional and powerful.
Try Other Words
- •Rant: to speak or complain loudly and for a long time (Use when someone talks angrily but less formally)
- •Explode: to suddenly express strong emotion (Use when showing sudden and strong anger)
- •Criticize: to say what is wrong with something (Use when focusing on the content of disapproval, not the loudness)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from Latin "fulmin-" meaning "lightning" + suffix "-ate" meaning "to cause or do"
- •Etymology: Comes from Latin "fulminare," meaning to strike with lightning or to flash like lightning
- •Historical development: Originally meant to flash or strike like lightning, later used metaphorically for strong, sudden speech or anger
- •Modern usage: Mostly used to describe angry or forceful speech or writing, sometimes used in literature for dramatic effect
Reflect & Connect
•When have you felt the need to fulminate about something? What made your feelings so strong?
•How does fulminating differ from simply complaining or discussing a problem calmly?
Fill in the blanks
1.The manager fulminated ___ the poor performance of the team during the meeting.
2.When people fulminate, they usually feel ___ about the topic they talk about.
3.Unlike a calm explanation, to fulminate means to speak with ___ and loudness.
4.The speaker fulminated ___ the unfair rules, making the audience listen carefully.
5.Fulminate is different from complain because it usually shows ___ anger or frustration.
6.After the accident, the witness fulminated ___ the dangerous driving of the other car.
7.When someone fulminates, you can expect their words to be ___ and full of emotion.