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Fulminate

2 stages from Medieval Latin to English.

Today it means to express vehement protest

Where does the word "fulminate" come from? It comes from Medieval Latin fulminare, adopted directly into English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
fulminare
Medieval Latin · medieval
"to strike with lightning"
from 'fulmen', lightning
2
Stage 2 of 2
fulminate
English · 1400s
"to issue thunderous decrees"
first used of papal condemnations
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Fulminate’s story begins in Medieval Latin: fulminare meant “to strike with lightning.” From 'fulmen', lightning. It reached English by 1400s as fulminate. First used of papal condemnations. Today, fulminate means to express vehement protest.