- fulminate
- c.1450, "publish a 'thundering' denunciation," from L. fulminatus, pp. of fulminare "hurl lightning, lighten," from fulmen (gen. fulminis) "lightning," related to fulgere "to shine, flash" (see phlegm). Metaphoric sense (the original sense in Eng.) is via its use in reference to a formal ecclesiastical censure.