EK-spee-ayt
(verb) To atone for or make amends for wrongdoing.
He volunteered at the shelter to expiate his earlier mistakes.
Fun Fact
“Expiate” often appears in religious or moral discussions, especially in literature. It’s a core theme in stories about redemption—whether a hero making things right or a villain seeking forgiveness. Think of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables.
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...
Read More