Definition

1. Noun:
   • The action of striking repeatedly with heavy blows; a repeated battering force: "buffeting" refers to the act of hitting something hard and repeatedly, or the condition of being subjected to such force.
   • Violent shaking or turbulence: In contexts like aviation or sailing, "buffeting" describes the irregular, jarring motion caused by strong winds or air currents.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The small boat was damaged by the constant buffeting of the waves.
  • The aircraft experienced severe buffeting as it passed through the storm.
  • He endured the buffeting of criticism from the press.

Advanced Usage

• "to take a buffeting": to endure a period of severe difficulty, criticism, or physical force.
  • The company's reputation took a buffeting during the scandal.
• "wind buffeting": a specific term for the shaking caused by wind, especially around vehicles or structures.
  • The new design of the side mirrors reduces wind buffeting at high speeds.

Variants and Related Words

• Buffet (verb): To strike repeatedly, typically with force. / To be subjected to repeated blows or difficulties.
  • Strong winds buffeted the coastline.
• Buffer (noun): A person or thing that lessens shock or impact. (Note: This is a related but distinct word.)

Synonyms

• Battering: The act of hitting something hard and repeatedly.
• Pounding: Repeated and heavy hitting.
• Pummeling: Striking repeatedly, especially with the fists.
• Turbulence: Irregular motion of a fluid (like air or water), causing shaking.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Compound Verbs

(Note: "Buffeting" is primarily a noun. The related verb "buffet" is not typically used in phrasal verb constructions.) - Buffet against: To strike or push against something repeatedly with force. - The waves buffeted against the sea wall.

Related Idioms

• To be buffeted by fate/chance/circumstances: To be repeatedly and harshly affected by unpredictable events or difficulties.
  • Throughout his life, he was buffeted by circumstances beyond his control.

Noun

1. repeated heavy blows