Bluster

blus-ter

/ˈblʌs.tər/

Verb / Noun

Meaning

  • As a verb: To speak loudly, aggressively, or boastfully, often without real intention or power behind the words. It can also refer to strong, noisy wind.
  • As a noun: Loud, aggressive, or empty talk; noisy and violent gusts of wind.

Examples

  • The manager continued to bluster, but his team knew he wouldn’t actually fire anyone.
  • The wind began to bluster around the house as the storm approached.
  • His threats were mere bluster and didn’t intimidate anyone.
  • Behind all the bluster, he was actually very nervous.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms Antonyms
boast rant roar swagger storm bravado bombast noise commotion uproar whisper murmur speak calmly calmness quiet silence

Word Forms

  • Verb: bluster, blusters, blustered, blustering
  • Noun: bluster
  • Adjective: blustery (e.g., a blustery day)

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English blusten meaning “to blow violently,” likely imitative of loud wind sounds. The word has Germanic roots and is related to Dutch blusteren (“to rage, roar”).

Grammar Information

  • Verb type: Intransitive (does not usually take a direct object).
  • Tenses: Commonly used in continuous and simple forms.
  • Usage note: Often used figuratively to describe empty threats or aggressive talk.

Translations

  • Hindi: शोर मचाना / धमकाना
  • Spanish: fanfarronear; bramar
  • French: vociférer; fanfaronnade (noun)
  • German: prahlen; toben
  • Chinese (Mandarin): 咆哮；虚张声势
  • Arabic: يهدد بصوت عالٍ؛ عاصفة (للريح)

Idioms & Phrases

  • Full of bluster – full of loud but meaningless talk.
  • Bluster and bluff – to threaten or show confidence without real backing.

Related Words

  • Bombastic
  • Boastful
  • Rant
  • Swagger
  • Roar
  • Blustery