windbattered

Windbattered is an adjective used to describe something that has been repeatedly and severely exposed to strong winds, often resulting in wear, damage, or a roughened appearance. It conveys a sense of enduring harsh weather conditions.

The term is commonly applied to natural elements such as coastlines, mountainsides, and isolated trees that have been shaped by persistent, forceful winds. For instance, a cliff face might be described as windbattered if its surface is eroded and sculpted by the constant action of the wind. Similarly, a solitary tree standing in an exposed location may develop a stunted, gnarled form and have branches twisted and stripped of foliage due to being windbattered over many years.

Beyond the natural world, "windbattered" can also describe man-made structures, particularly those in exposed environments. Buildings, fences, or even vehicles that have endured prolonged periods of high winds might exhibit signs of wear, such as chipped paint, loosened components, or a generally weathered look, leading to them being characterized as windbattered. The word implies a resilience in the face of adversity, a testament to surviving prolonged exposure to powerful natural forces. It suggests a visual and tactile quality of being worn down but still standing.