tempêter
rant
Definition & meaning
Tempêter means to rage, rant, or storm angrily—often by shouting or complaining loudly. It usually describes a person expressing strong anger, rather than an actual storm.
For example, someone can tempêter contre une décision (“rant about a decision”) or tempêter de colère (“rage with anger”).
Grammar & Word origin
Tempêter is a regular first-group verb ending in -er. It is generally used without a direct object, often with contre (“against”) to name the target of someone’s anger.
It is formed from the noun tempête (“storm”) and the verb-forming suffix -er. The image is of anger erupting like a storm.
Synonyms & antonyms
- fulminer — to fulminate or thunder with anger; often suggests forceful, vehement denunciation.
- râler — to grumble or complain; generally less intense and less dramatic than tempêter.
- s’emporter — to lose one’s temper; emphasizes the sudden loss of self-control rather than loud ranting.
There is no exact antonym, but these are useful contrasts:
Common phrases & collocations
Make “tempêter” part of your vocabulary.
Build your French vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Après avoir tempêté, elle a proposé une solution.verb
After ranting, she proposed a solution.
Keep exploring French
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad