tempestuous

[ tem-pes-choo-uhs ]

adjective

1. characterized by or subject to tempests:

   the tempestuous ocean.

2. of the nature of or resembling a tempest:

   a tempestuous wind.

   Synonyms: stormy, violent

3. tumultuous; turbulent:

   a tempestuous period in history.

tempestuous

/ tɛmˈpɛstjʊəs /

adjective

1. of or relating to a tempest
2. violent or stormy

   a tempestuous love affair

Derived Forms

• temˈpestuously, adverb
• temˈpestuousness, noun

Other Words From

• tem·pes·tu·ous·ly adverb
• tem·pes·tu·ous·ness noun
• un·tem·pes·tu·ous adjective
• un·tem·pes·tu·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tempestuous¹

First recorded in 1500–10; from Late Latin tempestuōsus, derivative of tempestus, variant of tempestās tempest ( -ous ); replacing earlier tempeste(u)ous, tempestious ( -eous, -ious )

Example Sentences

But if you listen to the score, right from the opening moments composer Umberto Smerilli makes a bold declaration about what kind of movie it is: nervy, tempestuous, winking and just a little bit melodramatic.

From Los Angeles Times

Early in his tenure as Archbishop of Canterbury, he was credited with helping usher through the vote that allowed women to become bishops, being supportive of the move through often tempestuous division.

From BBC

Some have speculated Trump might use his second term as president to help mend the deep divisions he’s created over the last tempestuous decade.

From Los Angeles Times

The bad blood reached a boiling point in the sixth inning when Flaherty hit Tatis in the side, leading to a stare from the tempestuous right fielder and words from Profar.

From Los Angeles Times

Solitude doesn’t have to mean loneliness: To a troubled soul, the climate and terrain can be like-minded companions of profound, tempestuous spirit.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• heated
• impassioned
• passionate
• turbulent