furor

especially British, fu·rore

[fyoor-awr, -er]

noun

1. a general outburst of enthusiasm, excitement, controversy, or the like.

   Synonyms: turmoil, commotion, uproar, frenzy

2. a prevailing fad, mania, or craze.

3. fury; rage; madness.

   Synonyms: turmoil, commotion, uproar, frenzy

Word History and Origins

Origin of furor¹

First recorded in 1425–75; from Latin: “a raging”; replacing late Middle English fureor, from Middle French

Example Sentences

The claim prompted authorities to issue a statewide Amber Alert and sparked furor against Latinos on social media.

From Los Angeles Times

Norwood’s creator ignited a furor after she announced that the digital actress would soon be signed by a talent agency.

From Los Angeles Times

The furor, for those lucky enough to have missed it, had nothing to do with the actual plot of the movie, which was about Clark Kent learning to love his poorly-behaved dog Krypto.

From Salon

But over the last week, such misinformation-fueled furor has overwhelmed the conversation in Los Angeles, at the state Capitol and on social media about wildfire recovery.

From Los Angeles Times

The furor, he insisted, is being driven by “selfish people” who are trying to hurt him.

From Salon

Related Words

• agitation 
• commotion 
• craze 
• enthusiasm 
• flap 
• free-for-all 
• frenzy 
• fury 
• fuss 
• hysteria 
• outburst 
• outcry 
• rage 
• ruckus 
• tumult 
• uproar