fury

Fury is an intense, often explosive form of anger or violence. It can describe a rapid surge of emotion that overrides reason, or the forceful energy of a natural or mechanical phenomenon described as having its fury. In everyday language, fury conveys extremes of anger, passion, or force, and appears in expressions such as the fury of a storm or the fury of a defender.

Etymology and terminology: The word fury derives from Latin furor, via Old French fureur, meaning wild anger or frenzy. The modern term retains the sense of uncontrollable intensity and is related to the adjective furious.

Mythology: In ancient Greek tradition, the Furies (the Erinyes) are chthonic deities of vengeance who pursue wrongdoers, especially those who have violated familial or sacred bonds. In Roman mythology they are called Furiae. Typically described as three or more sisters—Alecto, Megaera, and Tisiphone—they personify relentless moral accountability and punishment for crime.

Cultural usage: Fury appears widely in literature, art, and media as a symbol of overwhelming emotion or destructive force. It can denote the ferocity of natural phenomena, battles, or public outcry, as well as intense but focused determination.

Modern perspective: In psychology and common speech, fury denotes a strong, often impulsive anger. It can be a temporary emotional state or part of a broader pattern of aggression. Coping approaches include recognizing triggers, allowing cooling-off periods, and using cognitive strategies to regulate responses.