surging waves; raging billows
Literary word for violently rough seas. Often used metaphorically.
The ship advanced through the surging waves.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
turbulent; tempestuous; tumultuous; chaotic
Figurative use describing a situation, event, or emotion that is wildly chaotic or intense. Commonly used as 怒涛の〜.
The tumultuous week came to an end.
He finished the work with tempestuous energy.
Orders came flooding in one after another like a raging tide.
Last week was a whirlwind, non-stop week.
激動 describes violent upheaval, typically in social or political contexts, whereas 怒涛 evokes an unstoppable, surging rush of events or emotions.
波浪 is a neutral, technical term for ocean waves (as in weather reports), while 怒涛 is a literary word emphasizing their violent, raging force.
maelstrom; raging waves; great turmoil
Standard modern spelling. The kanji 涛 is a simplified form of 濤.
Traditional kyūjitai spelling; still seen in literary or formal contexts.
Compound of 怒 (do, 'angry, raging') and 涛 (tō, 'large waves'). The spelling 涛 is a simplified form of 濤.