tempest-swept
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- pounded or hit repeatedly by storms or adversities