English Dictionary

Definition of “reverberate

reverberate (rɪˈvɜːbəˌreɪtPronunciation for reverberate

Definitions

verb

  1. (intr) to resound or re-echo  ⇒ the explosion reverberated through the castle 
  2. to reflect or be reflected many times
  3. (intr) to rebound or recoil
  4. (intr) (of the flame or heat in a reverberatory furnace) to be deflected onto the metal or ore on the hearth
  5. (tr) to heat, melt, or refine (a metal or ore) in a reverberatory furnace

Alternative Forms

reˈverberant reˈverberative adjective reˈverberantly adverb reverberˈation noun

Word Origin

C16: from Latin reverberāre  to strike back, from re- + verberāre  to beat, from verber a lash

Usage examples

  • The notes of the church clock continued to reverberate through Flintdown, echoing, measured, relentless.
    Townsend, Eileen, In Love and War (1989)
  • And that is a refrain that is bound to reverberate along Mulayam's campaign trail.
    India Today (1998)
  • In addition, the bitterness left by the IRA killing of Mr Tom Oliver in 1991 continues to reverberate.
    Irish Times (2002)
  • Their stories, reported on the following pages, remind us how strongly the events of 9/ 11 reverberate still in the lives of thousands.
    Times, Sunday Times (2002)
  • Afterwards, however, I bounce back fairly quickly, while she may reverberate for days or weeks
    Martin, April, The Guide to Lesbian and Gay Parenting (1993)

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