KAL-um-nee
(noun) A false and damaging statement meant to harm someone’s reputation.
The candidate sued his rival for spreading calumny during the campaign.
Fun Fact
In ancient Rome, calumny was actually a punishable offense under the law. The word’s legal roots make it a favorite in political and journalistic commentary when false accusations fly.
FULL-mih-nayt
(verb) To express vehement protest or criticism; to explode violently or flash like lightning.
The senator fulminated against the proposed legislation during a heated press conference.
Late Middle English: from Latin “fulminatus,” past participle of “fulminare” meaning “to strike with lightning,” from “fulmen” meaning “lightning.”
Fun Fact
Fulminate originally described literal lightning strikes before evolving to describe explosive anger. The chemistry connection remains strong: fulminating compounds are highly unstable explosives that detonate from the slightest disturbance. Mercury fulminate was used in blasting caps and firearm primers precisely because it explodes so violently. When someone fulminates verbally, they’re essentially detonating—their words strike with lightning speed and explosive force. The Pope can issue a fulmination, a formal denunciation accompanied by excommunication, keeping the word’s most dramatic ecclesiastical use alive.
Today's Word Hypnagogic hip-nuh-GAH-jik Definition (adjective) Relating to the state...
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