激流(げきりゅう)

げきりゅう
noun
torrent, rapids, raging current
geography
1. torrent, rapids, raging current
A fast-flowing, powerful current of water such as river rapids or floodwaters. Also used figuratively to describe the overwhelming force or rapid pace of events, change, or history.
激流(げきりゅう)に飲(の)まれた。
He was swallowed by the raging current.
ボートが激流(げきりゅう)の中(なか)を進(すす)んでいく。
The boat makes its way through the rapids.
時代(じだい)の激流(げきりゅう)の中(なか)で、多(おお)くの伝統(でんとう)が失(うしな)われていった。
Many traditions were lost amid the torrent of changing times.

Usage

Used both literally for powerful river currents and figuratively for the overwhelming force of historical change, social upheaval, or rapid developments. The figurative use often appears in literary or journalistic contexts: 時代(じだい)の激流(げきりゅう) (the torrent of the times).

Similar words

急流(きゅうりゅう) (rapids) is a close synonym but is more neutral and descriptive. 激流(げきりゅう) emphasizes the violence and overwhelming power of the current.

Common collocations

Related Words

Synonym: 急流(きゅうりゅう) (rapids (neutral))
general
Added 2026.2.24 21:42 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
13000/13432_gekiryuu