reverberate

verb

re·ver·ber·ate | \ ri-ˈvər-bə-ˌrāt

reverberated; reverberating

Definition of reverberate

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : reflect

2 : repel

3 : echo

intransitive verb

1a : to become driven back

b : to become reflected

2 : to continue in or as if in a series of echoes : resound a historic event that still reverberates today

reverberate

adjective

re·ver·ber·ate | \ ri-ˈvər-b(ə-)rət

Definition of reverberate (Entry 2 of 2)

: reverberant

Synonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about reverberate

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Synonyms for reverberate

Synonyms: Verb

echo, reecho, resonate, resound, sound

Did You Know?

Verb

The letter sequence "v-e-r-b" in reverberate might make you think at first of such word-related brethren as proverb, verbal, and verbose, all of which derive from the Latin noun verbum, meaning "word." In fact, reverberate comes from a much different source: the Latin verb verberare, meaning "to whip, beat, or lash," which is related to the noun verber, meaning "rod." Reverberate entered the English language in the 15th century, and one of its early meanings was "to beat, drive, or cast back." By the early 1600s it began to appear in contexts associated with sound that repeats or returns the way an echo does.

Examples of reverberate in a Sentence

Verb

the sound of thunder reverberated from one end of the mountain pass to the other

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The Trump administration’s gag rule will reverberate across the country. — Rachel Epstein, Marie Claire, "How to Donate to Planned Parenthood Now That It Won't Receive Title X Funding," 19 Aug. 2019 The warmer than average waters will reverberate into the cold season, since the fall freeze-up will be delayed, likely leading to an unusually mild fall and early-winter period. — Matthew Cappucci And Andrew Freedman, chicagotribune.com, "More freak weather comes to Alaska, which has had an unprecedented summer," 19 Aug. 2019 Even a far less bloody intervention in Hong Kong would reverberate as widely (see article). — The Economist, "Chinese troops must stay off the streets of Hong Kong," 8 Aug. 2019 These communal strains would reverberate through generations. — New York Times, "The Schoolteacher and the Genocide," 8 Aug. 2019 The name Rush will reverberate throughout the entire world. — Justin Barrasso, SI.com, "Emerging Ring of Honor Star Rush Discusses Past Success, Potential U.S. Wrestling Future," 28 June 2019 And that influence would reverberate through the industry, to the point where many phones today still follow Apple’s lead in terms of design. — Chaim Gartenberg, The Verge, "With Ive leaving Apple after two decades, it’s the end of an era," 27 June 2019 While Durant’s possible landing spots and earning power might not change significantly, the impact of his injury will reverberate. — Ben Golliver, The Denver Post, "How Kevin Durant’s Achilles injury affects his future and the NBA landscape," 11 June 2019 In an age when wildlife and habitat are facing significant stress from population growth, development, climate change, decisions made now can reverberate for decades. — Sarah Greenberger, Vox, "I worked in the Interior Department. Watching Zinke’s tenure was heartbreaking.," 21 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reverberate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for reverberate

reverberate

verb

English Language Learners Definition of reverberate

somewhat formal

: to continue in a series of quickly repeated sounds that bounce off a surface (such as a wall)

: to become filled with a sound

See the full definition for reverberate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

reverberate

verb

re·ver·ber·ate | \ ri-ˈvər-bə-ˌrāt

reverberated; reverberating

Kids Definition of reverberate

: to continue in or as if in a series of echoes My voice reverberated throughout the room.

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reverberate

Definition of reverberate

Synonyms for reverberate

Did You Know?

Examples of reverberate in a Sentence

First Known Use of reverberate

History and Etymology for reverberate

English Language Learners Definition of reverberate

Kids Definition of reverberate

reverberate

Definition of reverberate

Synonyms for reverberate

Did You Know?

Examples of reverberate in a Sentence

First Known Use of reverberate

History and Etymology for reverberate

English Language Learners Definition of reverberate

Kids Definition of reverberate

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