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fulminate

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈfʌlmɪneɪt/

KK: /ˈfʊlmɪneɪt/

intransitive verb
Definition

To explode or to express strong criticism or protest in a loud and forceful way.


Example

The professor fulminated against the new policy during the lecture.


Tense Forms

Past: fulminated

Past Participle: fulminated


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear the thunder last night?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was so loud, it felt like the sky was going to fulminate.
Sloth A
Exactly! I thought something was going to explode outside.
Sloth B
Same here! It was kind of scary but also thrilling.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
detonate
explode
thunder
Antonyms
calm
appease
pacify
noun
Definition

A type of explosive compound that contains the group -CNO, commonly used in detonators.


Example

Mercury fulminate is a well-known example of a fulminate used in explosives.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about the fulminate they found in that old lab?
Sloth B
Yeah, I read it could be really dangerous if handled improperly.
Sloth A
I can't believe they still have those kinds of things lying around.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To cause something to explode or to express strong criticism in a loud and forceful way.


Example

The scientist fulminated the dangerous chemicals in the lab, warning everyone to evacuate immediately.


Tense Forms

Past: fulminated

Past Participle: fulminated


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear him fulminate about the new policy at work?
Sloth B
Yeah, he really let loose during the meeting.
Sloth A
I thought he might actually fulminate his way out of a job!
Root Explanation

Fulminate → It is formed from "fulminare" (meaning to strike with lightning) and the suffix "-ate" (indicating to cause or perform an action). The word "fulminate" means to issue a sudden and severe denunciation or to explode with a loud noise, akin to the striking of lightning.

Memory Tip

Imagine a powerful lightning strike ('fulminare') that causes a loud explosion or a strong condemnation — that's how 'fulminate' relates to issuing a strong statement or an explosive sound.

Visually Confused Words
culminate
unfulminated
ruminate
luminate
laminate
fumigate
feminate
unilaminate
Is this page helpful?
Right? It's a miracle nothing serious happened!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
explosive
detonator
compound
Antonyms
inert
stable
nonexplosive
Sloth B
Right? I can't believe he was that outspoken.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
explode
detonate
blast
Antonyms
calm
pacify
mollify