Gust

Pronunciation

• IPA: /É¡ÊŒst/
• Rhymes: -ÊŒst

Apparently from Old Norse gustr, though not recorded before Shakespeare.

Full definition of gust

Noun

1. A strong, abrupt rush of wind.
2. Any rush or outburst (of water, emotion etc.).

Synonyms

• (strong, abrupt rush of wind) windflaw

Verb

1. (intransitive) To blow in gusts.

From Latin gustus ‘taste’. For the verb, compare Latin gustare, Italian gustare, Spanish gustar.

Noun

1. (archaic) The physiological faculty of taste.
2. Relish, enjoyment, appreciation.
• Jeremy TaylorAn ox will relish the tender flesh of kids with as much gust and appetite.
• Alexander PopeDestroy all creatures for thy sport or gust.
• 1942: ‘Yes, indeed,’ said Sava with solemn gust. — Rebecca West, Black Lamb and Grey Falcon (Canongate 2006, p. 1050)
3. Intellectual taste; fancy.
• DrydenA choice of it may be made according to the gust and manner of the ancients.

Verb

1. (obsolete, transitive) To taste.
2. (obsolete, transitive) To have a relish for.

Related terms

• disgust

Anagrams

• guts
• tugs