tempestuous

Tempestuous is an adjective that describes conditions marked by violence, turmoil, or intense emotion. In reference to weather, it can denote stormy, turbulent conditions; more often, it is used metaphorically to describe passions, relationships, or events that are highly volatile. The word comes from Middle English tempestuous, from Latin tempestuosus meaning stormy, derived from tempest meaning storm. The sense has broadened to capture emotional and social upheaval as well as natural storms.

Common uses include a tempestuous sea, a tempestuous night, a tempestuous relationship, and a tempestuous political climate. The term conveys more than mere difficulty; it implies rapid change, volatility, and dramatic force. It is frequently found in literary or formal prose and is less typical in casual speech.

In literature and journalism, tempestuous often carries a tone of heightened drama. It can describe both external conditions, such as weather or seas, and internal states, such as love, anger, or conflict. Because of its elevated or literary flavor, it is commonly used to evoke intensity rather than to provide a literal meteorological report.

Related terms include tempest, tempest-tossed, turbulent, stormy, and tumultuous. Antonyms include calm, placid, and tranquil. In use, tempestuous tends to imply a combination of violence and passion, signaling moments when circumstances or feelings are in upheaval.