storm

¹storm

noun, often attributive \ˈstȯrm\

Definition of STORM

1

a : a disturbance of the atmosphere marked by wind and usually by rain, snow, hail, sleet, or thunder and lightning

b : a heavy fall of rain, snow, or hail

c (1) : wind having a speed of 64 to 72 miles (103 to 117 kilometers) per hour (2) : whole gale — see beaufort scale table

d : a serious disturbance of any element of nature

2

: a disturbed or agitated state <storms of emotion> : a sudden or violent commotion

3

: a heavy discharge of objects (as missiles)

4

: a tumultuous outburst <a storm of protests>

5

a : paroxysm 2

b : a sudden heavy influx or onset

6

: a violent assault on a defended position

7

plural : storm window

— by storm

: by or as if by employing a bold swift frontal movement especially with the intent of defeating or winning over quickly <took the literary world by storm>

— up a storm

: in a remarkable or energetic fashion —used as an intensifier <dancing up a storm>

Examples of STORM

1. The sky got dark and it looked like a storm was coming.
2. <a winter storm bringing about six inches of snow>

Origin of STORM

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German sturm storm, Old English styrian to stir

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to STORM

Synonyms

squall, tempest

Related Words

blizzard, ice storm, snowstorm; cloudburst, hailstorm, rainsquall, rainstorm, thundershower, thunderstorm, weather, windstorm; northeaster (or nor'easter), norther, southeaster, southwester; cyclone, hurricane, typhoon; sandstorm

Near Antonyms

dribble, drip, trickle

Other Climate/Meteorology Terms

monsoon, occlusion, ozone, rime, squall, zephyr

Rhymes with STORM

corm, dorm, form, norm, swarm, warm

²storm

verb

Definition of STORM

intransitive verb

1

a : to blow with violence

b : to rain, hail, snow, or sleet vigorously

2

: to attack by storm <stormed ashore at zero hour>

3

: to be in or to exhibit a violent passion : rage <storming at the unusual delay>

4

: to rush about or move impetuously, violently, or angrily <the mob stormed through the streets>

transitive verb

: to attack, take, or win over by storm <storm a fort>

Examples of STORM

1. The mob stormed through the streets.
2. She yelled at us and stormed off.
3. He stormed out of the room.
4. She stormed into the office.

First Known Use of STORM

15th century

Related to STORM

Synonyms

bristle, fume, rage

Related Words

blow up, flare (up), flip (out) [slang]; bluster, carry on, fulminate, rampage, rant, rave, take on; burn, foam, seethe, smolder (or smoulder), steam; chafe, fret, stew

Near Antonyms

allay, appease, pacify, soothe; check, choke (back), collect, compose, contain, curb, pocket, rein, repress, restrain, smother, stifle, strangle, subdue, suppress, swallow; moderate, temper, tone (down); ease, let up, relax; calm, cool, hush, quell, quiet, settle, still

See Synonym Discussion at attack

storm

noun \ˈstȯ(ə)rm\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of STORM

: a crisis or sudden increase in the symptoms of a disease—see thyroid storm