bluster

American  

[bluhs-ter] / ˈblʌs tər /

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

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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 British  

/ 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

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noun

1. boisterous talk or action; swagger

2. empty threats or protests

3. a strong wind; gale

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of bluster

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

Example Sentences

Strickland’s lawyer said that Strickland’s claims and promises to Boyd were all bluster.

From The Wall Street Journal

“There’s a strong hope that it’s just bluster — that, given Colombia has a sovereign government that the U.S. recognizes and has long worked with, it’s understood it would be catastrophic for the relationship,” Ellis said.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From 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.

From Literature

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

From Salon

Related Words

• bulldoze
• gloat
• hector
• swagger
• yap