tempestuous
UK: /temˈpestʃuəs/ | US: /temˈpestʃuəs/
adj. characterized by strong and turbulent or conflicting emotions
adj. (of weather) stormy or turbulent
adj. violently agitated or tumultuous
The word "tempestuous" derives from the Latin tempestas, meaning "storm" or "weather," which itself comes from tempus (time, season). The suffix -uous (from Latin -uosus) means "full of" or "characterized by." Over time, "tempestuous" evolved to describe both literal storms and metaphorical turbulence in emotions or situations. The connection between "time" and "storm" reflects the ancient association of seasonal changes with violent weather.
Their tempestuous relationship was marked by frequent arguments and reconciliations.
The sea grew tempestuous as the hurricane approached.
The politician’s tempestuous speech ignited protests across the city.
She had a tempestuous personality, shifting from joy to anger in moments.
The tempestuous winds uprooted trees and damaged rooftops.