Sturm und Drang
2
9.9
- noun
- /ʃtʊrm ʊnd dræŋ/
- Historians often refer to the 1960s as a decade of social Sturm und Drang in the West.
Examples
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The company's restructuring led to a period of Sturm und Drang within the organization.
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Her adolescence was marked by Sturm und Drang as she struggled to find her identity.
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The Sturm und Drang period was intense.
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This painting shows Sturm und Drang beautifully.
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Her adolescence was filled with Sturm und Drang, characterized by intense emotional conflicts as she navigated her identity.
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Historians note that the 1960s experienced significant Sturm und Drang, marked by protests and cultural changes in Western society.
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The company faced a period of Sturm und Drang during its restructuring, as employees reacted passionately to the changes.
Synonyms
129
4.8
A time of great confusion and disorder
50
6.9
A sudden big change that causes confusion and problems
11
7.7
A time of strong political or social disorder
1
9.9
A noisy argument or fight that makes a place loud and confused
1
9.0
A state of loud noise and confusion
A sudden violent crowd event that causes confusion and danger
Antonyms
How Turbulent
Surface Forms
Morphology
Sturm + und + Drang
Although the phrase is a German proper name, its literal constituents ('Sturm' ≈ "storm" and 'Drang' ≈ "urge/drive") convey the idea of turbulent emotion or impulsive force, so a learner who knows those words can infer the evocative sense. However, the MWE specifically names a historical literary movement and functions as a fixed cultural label, which is not fully predictable from the parts alone. Because part of the meaning (emotional turbulence) is transparent but the reference to a particular movement is not, this is best judged semi-transparent.
Etymology
Sturm und Drang paints a picture of wild weather and strong pressure — Sturm means 'storm' and Drang means 'stress' or a powerful urge. That's why the phrase is used for a time of emotional turmoil or big, chaotic change.