intemperate

[ in-tem-per-it, -prit ]

adjective

1. given to or characterized by excessive or immoderate indulgence in alcoholic beverages.
2. immoderate in indulgence of appetite or passion.
3. not temperate; unrestrained; unbridled.
4. extreme in temperature, as climate.

intemperate

/ -prɪt; ɪnˈtɛmpərɪt /

adjective

1. consuming alcoholic drink habitually or to excess
2. indulging bodily appetites to excess; immoderate
3. unrestrained

   intemperate rage

4. extreme or severe

   an intemperate climate

Derived Forms

• inˈtemperately, adverb
• inˈtemperance, noun

Other Words From

• in·temper·ate·ly adverb
• in·temper·ate·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of intemperate¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Latin word intemperātus. See in- ³, temperate

Example Sentences

The polemical advertisement was clearly designed not to engage in good faith with the notion of reparations, but to elicit isolated intemperate reactions among campus activists.

From Slate

Exactly how much this student movement has been contaminated by intemperate, hotheaded or outright antisemitic rhetoric is, shall we say, a question of interpretation — but not one that can be credibly answered by Bibi Netanyahu, Elise Stefanik or Mike Johnson.

From Salon

In a scathing speech during the Senate impeachment trial on charges Trump incited the insurrection at the Capitol, McConnell decried Trump’s intemperate language and the “entire manufactured atmosphere of looming catastrophe” and “wild myths” about a stolen election.

From Seattle Times

In 2024, the far right is on track to win elections in both Austria and Belgium, while Marine Le Pen’s far-right party leads the polls in France and the equally intemperate, anti-immigrant Alternative für Deutschland is running a strong second to the center-right in Germany.

From Salon

The Rwanda policy was championed by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who was fired by Sunak on Monday over a series of intemperate statements that deviated from the government line.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• unrestrained