bluster

[bluhs-ter]

verb (used without object)

1. to roar and be tumultuous, as wind.

2. to be loud, noisy, or swaggering; utter loud, empty menaces or protests.

   He blusters about revenge but does nothing.

   Synonyms: gloat, boast, brag, rant

verb (used with object)

1. to force or accomplish by blustering.

   He blustered his way through the crowd.

   Synonyms: bully, storm, threaten

noun

1. boisterous noise and violence.

   the bluster of the streets.

2. noisy, empty threats or protests; inflated talk.

   bluff and bluster.

bluster

/ ˈblʌstə /

verb

1. to speak or say loudly or boastfully

2. to act in a bullying way

3. to force or attempt to force (a person) into doing something by behaving thus

4. (intr) (of the wind) to be noisy or gusty

noun

1. boisterous talk or action; swagger

2. empty threats or protests

3. a strong wind; gale

Other Word Forms

• blusterer noun
• blusteringly adverb
• blustery adjective
• blusterous adjective
• outbluster verb (used with object)
• blustering noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bluster¹

First recorded in 1520–30; perhaps from Low German blustern, blüstern “to blow violently”; compare Old Norse blāstr “blowing, hissing”

Word History and Origins

Origin of bluster¹

C15: probably from Middle Low German blüsteren to storm, blow violently

Example Sentences

He was long overdue for a rise in rank, but for all his size and bluster, the captain disliked nosing about for promotions and salary increases.

Read more on Literature

She ached from head to toe; she wanted a hot bath and a bright fire to read by and was in no mood for the admiral’s bluster.

Read more on Literature

A chill had moved into the room, slowly replacing the bluster of revelers over the wee hours.

Read more on Salon

For all of Gustav’s bluster and ego, the film leaves room for grace.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Stuart Hoddinott acknowledges that Reform has entered a "broken" system, given the pressure on funding for statutory services and cuts already made across the board - but he accuses the party of "bluster" and "outlandish promises".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• bulldoze 
• gloat 
• hector 
• swagger 
• yap