torrent

Definitions

From Latin torrēns ("boiling, seething"), the present participle of torrēre (to scorch/boil). Romans called a storm-swollen stream a torrent because it churned as if heated. The heat faded; the violent rush stayed — so a torrent is anything pouring out fast and unstoppable.

Why It Means This

The hidden surprise is that torrent comes from a word for boiling, not flowing. To Romans, a flood-swollen mountain stream seemed to seethe like heated water, so they named it torrēns ("boiling"). English kept the unstoppable violence and let the heat evaporate — which is why a torrent can be made of rain, words, tears, or data.

Common Collocations

• 1.a torrent of abuse劈头盖脸的辱骂
• 2.a torrent of rain倾盆大雨
• 3.unleash a torrent引发洪流／掀起狂潮
• 4.a torrent of words滔滔不绝的话语

Example Sentences

• 1.

  After the storm, the gentle creek became a raging torrent.

• 2.

  He unleashed a torrent of abuse at the referee.

• 3.

  Her question opened a torrent of memories she had buried for years.

Synonym Comparison