blizzard
UK: ˈblɪzəd | US: ˈblɪzərd
n. a severe snowstorm with strong winds and low visibility
n. (figurative) an overwhelming or sudden rush of something (e.g., "a blizzard of paperwork")
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blizzard = blizz<intense wind/snow> + ard<noun suffix>
- blizz: Likely imitative in origin, evoking the sound or force of blowing snow/wind.
- ard: A suffix used to form nouns, often indicating a quality or condition (e.g., "drunkard").
Etymology Origin:
The word blizzard first appeared in 19th-century American English, possibly influenced by regional dialects or onomatopoeia (imitating the sound of fierce wind). Initially used colloquially, it gained prominence during the 1870s "Great Blizzard" in the U.S., cementing its association with violent snowstorms. The figurative sense emerged later, leveraging the imagery of overwhelming force.
The mountain pass was closed due to a sudden blizzard.
Farmers prepared their livestock for the approaching blizzard.
After the announcement, she faced a blizzard of media questions.
His inbox was buried under a blizzard of emails.
The explorers survived the Arctic blizzard by building an ice shelter.