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

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

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

Healey suggested there was bluster in Putin's words, insisting that Russia was under pressure.

From BBC

She described the action plan as "more bluster from a government that is only tinkering around the edges".

From BBC

A U.S. president and a Russian leader sitting down to talk and emerging with bluster about progress seems normal enough, perhaps encouraging when American-Russian relations have been at a historic low.

From Los Angeles Times

Without considerable fanfare, hype or bluster, the Championship comfortably sells itself each and every season as one of the most thrillingly competitive leagues in all of sport.

From BBC

“All of this bluster and threatening and harassing is simply a scare tactic to try to get us to show up and sit down,” the Texas Democrat said.

From Salon

Related Words

• bulldoze 
• gloat 
• hector 
• swagger 
• yap