Tumultuous applause
Meaning
Extremely loud, enthusiastic, and often disorderly clapping and cheering from an audience, indicating a powerful and overwhelming reaction.
Origin
Imagine the chaotic roar of an ancient Roman amphitheater, or perhaps a medieval town square erupting into jubilant cacophony. That's the feeling baked into "tumultuous applause." The adjective "tumultuous" comes from the Latin "tumultus," signifying a loud, unruly commotion or a public disturbance—it's noise, but with a palpable energy and lack of order. Paired with "applause," from the Latin "applaudere," meaning "to strike against" or "clap in approval," the phrase becomes a vivid descriptor. It’s not merely enthusiastic clapping; it's a visceral, overwhelming eruption from a crowd, a moment where individual claps merge into a singular, powerful wave of sound. This phrase captures that raw, almost physical impact, suggesting an audience so moved or delighted that their response feels like a force of nature, a glorious, passionate uproar.
Examples
- The band received tumultuous applause after their electrifying encore, bringing the house down.
- Despite the controversial nature of the speech, the speaker concluded to tumultuous applause from their dedicated supporters.