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pandemonium

[ pan-duh-moh-nee-uhm ] [ ˌpæn dəˈmoʊ ni əm ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

wild uproar or unrestrained disorder; tumult or chaos

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Why Dictionary.com chose pandemonium

More about pandemonium

  • First recorded in 1660–70; see pan-, demon, -ium.
  • After Pandaemonium, Milton’s name in Paradise Lost for the capital of hell:

Mean while the winged Haralds by command
Of Sovran power, with awful Ceremony
And Trumpets sound throughout the Host proclaim
A solemn Councel forthwith to be held
At Pandaemonium, the high Capital
Of Satan and his Peers

EXAMPLES OF PANDEMONIUM

  • When the escaped lion roamed the zoo grounds, pandemonium ensued as visitors ran in every direction, screaming in fear.
  • When the opposing team scored the winning goal in the last second, pandemonium broke loose among the fans, who stormed the field in a frenzy.
20240103
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51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

foppish

[ fop-ish ] [ ˈfɒp ɪʃ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

excessively refined and fastidious in taste and manner

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Why Dictionary.com chose foppish

More about foppish

  • First recorded in 1595–1605.
  • Formed from fop + -ish1.

EXAMPLES OF FOPPISH

  • The actor’s foppish mannerisms in the play perfectly captured the essence of a vain nobleman.
  • His foppish attire, complete with a silk cravat and tailored waistcoat, stood out at the casual gathering.
20240103
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

seismic

[ sahyz-mik ] [ ˈsaɪz mɪk ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

pertaining to or caused by an earthquake or vibration of the earth

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Why Dictionary.com chose seismic

More about seismic

  • First recorded in 1855–60. Formed from seism + -ic.
  • Often in figurative use relating to a person or thing that has great impact or influence, as an earthquake does.

EXAMPLES OF SEISMIC

  • Scientists installed new equipment to monitor seismic activity along the fault line.
  • The fall of the regime brought about seismic shifts in the country’s political landscape.
20240103
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar