bluster — English Dictionary

Noun

1. Pompous, officious talk.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   Private-equity nabobs bristle at being dubbed mere financiers. Piling debt onto companies’ balance-sheets is only a small part of what leveraged buy-outs are about, they insist. Improving the workings of the businesses they take over is just as core to their calling, if not more so. Much of their pleading is public-relations bluster.

2. A gust of wind.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

3. Fitful noise and violence.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

Verb

1. To speak or protest loudly.

   Examples

   When confronted by opposition his reaction was to bluster, which often cowed the meek.

2. To act or speak in an unduly threatening manner.

   Examples

   Your ministerial directors blustered like tragic tyrants.

   He bloweth and blustereth out […] his abominable blasphemy.

   More examples (1)

   As if therewith he meant to bluster all princes into a perfect obedience to his commands.

3. To blow in strong or sudden gusts (refers to winds).

   Examples

   And ever-threatening storms / Of Chaos blustering round.

Noun

1. noisy confusion and turbulence

   Broader terms

   confusion

   Examples

   he was awakened by the bluster of their preparations

2. a swaggering show of courage

   Synonyms

   bravado

   Broader terms

   ostentationfanfareflash

3. a violent gusty wind

   Broader terms

   gustblastblow

4. vain and empty boasting

   Synonyms

   braggadociorodomontaderhodomontade

   Broader terms

   boastboastingself-praisejactitation

Verb

1. blow hard; be gusty, as of wind

   Broader terms

   blow

   Examples

   A southeaster blustered onshore

   The flames blustered

2. show off

   Synonyms

   boasttoutswashshoot a linebraggasblowvauntgasconade

   Broader terms

   overstateexaggerateoverdrawhyperbolizehyperbolisemagnifyamplify

3. act in an arrogant, overly self-assured, or conceited manner

   Synonyms

   swaggerswash

   Broader terms

   actbehavedoacquitbeardeportconductcomportcarry