fulminatory

The critic wrote a fulminatory review of the new play.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Explosive or thunderous: "fulminatory" describes something that is characterized by explosive force or loud, threatening noise, often associated with thunder or violent outbursts.
   • Angrily denunciatory: It also refers to speech or behavior that is vehemently critical, condemning, or raging, as if exploding with anger.

Usage Examples

• Explosive or thunderous:

  • The fulminatory roar of the volcano could be heard for miles. (The sound was like an explosion or thunder.)
  • His fulminatory laughter echoed through the hall, startling everyone. (His laughter was sudden and loud, like an outburst.)

• Angrily denunciatory:

  • She delivered a fulminatory speech against the injustice in the system. (Her speech was full of angry condemnation.)
  • The critic’s fulminatory review destroyed the play’s reputation. (The review was explosive in its criticism.)

Advanced Usage

• "fulminatory tone": a manner of speaking that is threatening or explosively angry.

  • The manager used a fulminatory tone to discipline the employee, causing tension in the office. (His tone was like a thunderous warning.)

• "fulminatory effect": the impact of something that is explosive or violently forceful.

  • The chemical had a fulminatory effect when mixed with water. (It caused a sudden, violent reaction.)

Variants and Related Words

• Fulminate (verb): to explode with a loud noise or to express strong protest or anger.

  • He fulminated against the new policy in a lengthy email. (He denounced it angrily.)

• Fulmination (noun): a violent explosion or a harsh verbal attack.

  • The politician’s fulmination against the opposition was broadcast live. (His angry condemnation was aired.)

• Fulminant (adjective): occurring suddenly and with great severity (often used in medicine).

  • The patient suffered from fulminant hepatitis, which progressed rapidly. (The disease was explosive in its onset.)

Synonyms

• Explosive: likely to burst or cause a sudden outburst.
• Thunderous: resembling thunder in loudness or force.
• Denunciatory: expressing strong public disapproval.
• Raging: showing violent anger.

Related Idioms

• To fulminate against: to criticize or protest something violently.

  • The editorial fulminated against the government’s decision. (It condemned it harshly.)

• Like a bolt from the blue: something sudden and surprising, similar to a fulminatory event.

  • The news came like a bolt from the blue — a fulminatory shock to the community. (It was unexpected and explosive in impact.)