Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Fulminate" – January 4, 2025
Merriam-Webster's daily podcast delivers a free dose of word power, guided by the expertise of Merriam-Webster's linguists. In the January 4th episode, host Peter Sokolowski delves into the word "fulminate," unraveling its meaning, usage, and rich history.
Introduction to "Fulminate"
At the outset of the episode ([00:06]), Peter Sokolowski introduces listeners to today’s word: fulminate. He spells it out for clarity—F-U-L-M-I-N-A-T-E—and categorizes it as a verb.
“Fulminate is a verb. To fulminate is to complain loudly or angrily about something.” ([00:06])
Defining "Fulminate"
Peter provides a clear and concise definition of fulminate, emphasizing its usage in expressing strong, vehement complaints. This sets the stage for understanding both the word's current application and its nuanced connotations.
Usage Example: From Literature to Speech
To contextualize fulminate, Peter cites a sentence from The New Yorker by Daniel Immerwahr:
“When Reagan fulminated against the Soviet Union, his aides, fearing nuclear war, challenged him.” ([00:06])
This example illustrates how fulminate conveys not just anger, but a forceful and public expression of dissent.
Etymology: Tracing "Fulminate" Back to Its Roots
Peter delves into the origins of fulminate, tracing it back to late Latin:
“It comes from the late Latin fulminare, meaning to strike down or confound an opponent, which in turn traces back to the Latin verb meaning to strike, used of lightning or simply to strike like lightning.” ([00:06])
Understanding its etymology reveals the word’s inherent intensity, originally linked to the power and suddenness of a lightning strike.
Historical Usage: From Church Denunciations to Everyday Speech
In the 15th century, English speakers adopted fulminate, but its meaning evolved:
“When fulminate was taken up by English speakers in the 15th century, it lost much of its ancestral thunder and was used largely as a technical term for the issuing of formal denunciations by church authorities.” ([00:06])
During this period, fulminate became associated with official proclamations of disapproval, stripping away some of its original fiery essence.
Modern Reclamation: The Return of the "Lightning Spark"
Over time, fulminate regained its dynamic connotations:
“In time, its original lightning spark returned, and it's now used when someone issues verbal lightning strikes in the midst of a brouhaha, tirade, or tweetstorm.” ([00:06])
Today, the word embodies the swift and impactful nature of modern verbal assaults, whether in heated debates, social media rants, or public speeches.
Conclusion: Expanding Your Vocabulary
Peter wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to explore more words and their histories:
“Visit merriamwebster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups.” ([00:06])
He signs off, reinforcing the value of daily word learning in enhancing language proficiency and expressive capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Definition: Fulminate means to complain loudly or angrily.
- Usage Example: Demonstrates the word in a political context.
- Etymology: Originates from Latin, relating to striking like lightning.
- Historical Context: Transitioned from formal church denunciations to its current expressive use.
- Modern Usage: Represents forceful verbal expressions in various heated scenarios.
Notable Quotes
- “Fulminate is a verb. To fulminate is to complain loudly or angrily about something.” – Peter Sokolowski ([00:06])
- “When Reagan fulminated against the Soviet Union, his aides, fearing nuclear war, challenged him.” – Daniel Immerwahr, The New Yorker ([00:06])
- “It comes from the late Latin fulminare, meaning to strike down or confound an opponent...” – Peter Sokolowski ([00:06])
- “It's now used when someone issues verbal lightning strikes in the midst of a brouhaha, tirade, or tweetstorm.” – Peter Sokolowski ([00:06])
Enhance Your Vocabulary
Understanding fulminate not only enriches your lexicon but also equips you to articulate strong emotions and critiques more effectively. Explore Merriam-Webster’s resources to continue expanding your word power.
Visit merriam-webster.com for more definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups.