bluster

About 0.29 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun Pompous, officious talk.
2. noun A gust of wind.
3. noun Fitful noise and violence.
4. verb To speak or protest loudly.

   When confronted by opposition his reaction was to bluster, which often cowed the meek.

5. verb To act or speak in an unduly threatening manner.
6. verb To blow in strong or sudden gusts (refers to winds).

Similar words

brag boast vaunt rodomontade gasconade braggadocio bravado swagger tout blow

Often followed by

and of about in or was to that as

Word family

blustered blusterer blusterers blustering blusteringly blusterous blusters blustery