Entry Word: tempestuous

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity <order was restored to the court after the judge put a stop to the defendant's tempestuous outburst> — see violent 1
2 marked by sudden or violent disturbance <in terms of social change, the 1960s are generally considered the most tempestuous decade in recent American history> — see convulsive
3 marked by turmoil or disturbance especially of natural elements <we spent a tempestuous night stranded on the summit of the mountain> — see wild 3
4 marked by wet and windy conditions <stay indoors this weekend as the weather promises to be tempestuous> — see foul 1