Buffeted

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Struck repeatedly or violently by something such as wind or waves ; faced continual difficulties or harsh conditions
2. Hit many times with strong force, as by storms or physical blows ; experienced persistent hardships or challenges
3. Pounded repeatedly by external forces, often in a chaotic manner ; endured ongoing troubles or misfortunes affecting stability

Etymology: "Buffeted" is the past tense and past participle of "buffet," a verb meaning to strike repeatedly with the hand or fist, or to be knocked about by something like wind or waves. The verb "buffet" itself comes from the noun "buffet," a blow with the hand or fist, and the "-ed" ending simply marks the action as completed. So the sense of being struck again and again grows directly out of the older idea of a sharp, physical blow. The noun "buffet" is the older and more concrete word, and its meaning stayed close to the body: a cuff or slap. Over time the verb picked up the wider sense of being pushed around by forces beyond one's control, which is why a sailor can be buffeted by storm winds or a politician by public opinion. The metaphor works because the image of repeated blows carries over neatly from fists to weather and circumstance.

Synonyms: pounded, battered, struck, thrashed

Antonyms: calmed, soothed, comforted