reverberate
UK: rɪˈvɜːbəreɪt | US: rɪˈvɜːrbəreɪt
vi. 1. To echo or resound repeatedly.
vt. 2. To reflect (sound, light, or heat) back and forth.
vi. 3. (Figuratively) To have a continuing or prolonged effect.
reverberate = re<back> + verber<whip/strike> + ate<verb suffix>
- re: Latin prefix meaning "back" or "again."
- verber: From Latin verberare ("to whip, strike"), derived from verber ("lash, whip").
- ate: Verb-forming suffix indicating action.
Etymology Origin:
The word reverberate originates from Latin reverberare, combining re- (back) and verberare (to strike). It originally described sound or light being "struck back" (reflected), like echoes or ricocheting waves. Over time, it expanded metaphorically to describe lingering effects (e.g., "reverberating consequences"). The imagery of repeated striking captures both literal and figurative meanings.
The thunder reverberated through the valley.
The concert hall was designed to reverberate sound perfectly.
Her words reverberated in his mind long after the argument.
The heat reverberated off the pavement in waves.
The policy changes will reverberate across the industry for years.