Definition

Adjective: - Pounded or hit repeatedly by storms or adversities: Describes something that has been violently and repeatedly struck by severe storms or metaphorically, by a series of misfortunes or difficult challenges.

Usage

This adjective is used to describe a place, object, or person that has endured the forceful impact of a tempest (a violent windy storm) or, figuratively, a prolonged period of hardship. It emphasizes a state of being battered and affected by powerful, repeated forces.

Examples

• The coastline was littered with debris from the hurricane.
• After years of financial struggle, he had the weary look of a soul.
• The old, lighthouse still stood defiantly on the cliff.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: Commonly used in literary or descriptive contexts to convey profound impact from non-literal storms, such as emotional turmoil, political upheaval, or relentless criticism.
  • The company emerged from a tempest-swept decade of lawsuits and scandals.

Variants and Related Words

• Tempest-tossed (adj): Very similar in meaning, suggesting being thrown about violently by a storm.
  • The tempest-tossed ship finally found safe harbor.
• Storm-swept (adj): Hit or cleared by a storm. This is a more common synonym.
• Weather-beaten (adj): Worn by long exposure to the weather; can imply a similar enduring of storms but over a longer, more gradual period.

Synonyms

• Storm-battered
• Wind-lashed
• Battered

Antonyms

• Calm
• Sheltered
• Untroubled
• Serene

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To weather the storm: To survive a difficult period or situation. This idiom relates to the figurative sense of being "tempest-swept" but focuses on the survival aspect.
  • Their marriage managed to weather the storm of their financial troubles.

Adjective

1. pounded or hit repeatedly by storms or adversities