Word
bluster
Phoneticsblus·ter, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɫəstɝ/
UK/blˈʌstɐ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. loud, angry talk that is meant to scare people but often means little. You hear it when someone makes big threats they may not carry out.
n. loud, aggressive and boastful speech intended to intimidate, often without real force or intent behind it. Typically refers to empty threats or swaggering talk rather than effective action.
Examples
“His loud bluster hides his fear of failure.”
“Despite his bluster in the meeting, he agrees to every change the team suggests.”
“Behind the mayor's bluster about rapid reform lay months of delay, as bold promises dissolved into quiet compromise.”
Examples
simple
“His loud bluster hides his fear of failure.”
contextual
“Despite his bluster in the meeting, he agrees to every change the team suggests.”
complex
“Behind the mayor's bluster about rapid reform lay months of delay, as bold promises dissolved into quiet compromise.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “bluster” in context.
Verb
01. bluster masks
“His bluster masks a deep insecurity about his ability to lead.”
noun + verb
02. dismiss bluster
“Analysts dismissed the bluster from Pyongyang as routine posturing.”
verb + noun
03. expose bluster
“The interview exposed his bluster when he failed to answer basic questions.”
verb + noun
04. hide behind bluster
“Weak leaders often hide behind bluster instead of admitting mistakes.”
verb + prep + noun
05. ignore bluster
“The best strategy is to ignore his bluster and focus on the facts.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. empty bluster
“Voters quickly recognized his threats as empty bluster with no real plan.”
adj + noun
07. macho bluster
“Behind all the macho bluster, he was anxious about losing the negotiation.”
adj + noun
08. mere bluster
“Critics dismissed the general's warning as mere bluster to frighten rivals.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. burst of bluster
“After a brief burst of bluster, he quietly accepted the compromise.”
noun + prep + noun
10. all bluster and no action
“His promises proved to be all bluster and no action.”
11. cut through the bluster
“A good journalist must cut through the bluster to find the truth.”
12. dismiss it as mere bluster
“Don't panic; most experts dismiss it as mere bluster.”
Real-World Examples
“He announced MI5 had launched an AI Threat Assessment Centre, which he said would assess sources and "separate the bluster from the realities".” “Sadly, none of this bluster, this exaggeration of how big the problem is, will help any of the people hurting because of the new tariffs and counter-tariffs.” “Still, even in Argentina, the basic terms of the agreement hold, despite Milei’s populist bluster.” “On that last front, Trump succeeded, as Canadians reacted to this outrageous decision with their own vitriol and bluster.” Etymology
From Middle English blusteren (“to wander about aimlessly”); however, apparently picking up the modern sense from Middle Low German blüstren (“to blow violently”; compare later Low German blustern, blistern). Related to blow, blast. Compare also Saterland Frisian bloasje (“to blow”), bruusje (“to bluster”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/bluster