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Sturm und Drang

Sturm und Drang

9.9
A time of strong emotion and major social or political conflict
  • noun
  • /ʃtʊrm ʊnd dræŋ/
translation icon : Sturm und Drang
  • Historians often refer to the 1960s as a decade of social Sturm und Drang in the West.

Examples

  • The company's restructuring led to a period of Sturm und Drang within the organization.

  • Her adolescence was marked by Sturm und Drang as she struggled to find her identity.

  • The Sturm und Drang period was intense.

  • This painting shows Sturm und Drang beautifully.

  • Her adolescence was filled with Sturm und Drang, characterized by intense emotional conflicts as she navigated her identity.

  • Historians note that the 1960s experienced significant Sturm und Drang, marked by protests and cultural changes in Western society.

  • The company faced a period of Sturm und Drang during its restructuring, as employees reacted passionately to the changes.

Synonyms

turmoil
vsSturm und Drang
138 4.8

A time of great confusion and disorder

is focused on cultural or emotional intensity rather than general disorder
upheaval
vsSturm und Drang
51 6.9

A sudden big change that causes confusion and problems

is more about ongoing cultural emotional intensity than one quick change
turbulence
vsSturm und Drang
18 7.7

A time of strong political or social disorder

is broader, referring to cultural emotional conflict as a lasting period
ruction
vsSturm und Drang
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A noisy argument or fight that makes a place loud and confused

is more sweeping and intense, covering major cultural or artistic change
tumultuous disturbance
vsSturm und Drang
8.5

A sudden violent crowd event that causes confusion and danger

is broader, covering longer cultural emotional intensity not only sudden events
tumultuousness
vsSturm und Drang
9.0

A state of loud noise and confusion

is more specific to historical cultural conflict rather than an abstract quality

Antonyms

505 1.5

A state where people follow rules and behave calmly

363 3.1

Being steady and not likely to change

52 1.0

A quiet, peaceful feeling that helps you stay steady

How Turbulent

chaos
438 3.1
upheaval
51 6.9
Sturm und Drang
9.9
turmoil
138 4.8
unrest
126 3.4
unease
19 4.4
calm
52 1.0

Surface Forms

Sturm und Drang singular

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.