Entry Word: storm

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a disturbance of the atmosphere accompanied by wind and often by precipitation (as rain or snow) <a winter storm bringing about six inches of snow>

Synonyms squall, tempest

Related Words blizzard, hail storm, ice storm, northeaster, norther, rainstorm, sandstorm, snowstorm, southeaster, southwester, thunderstorm, windstorm; cyclone, hurricane, typhoon

2 a heavy fall of objects <the Indiansʼ arrows were no match for the storm of bullets> — see rain 2
3 a rapid or overwhelming outpouring of many things at once <the armyʼs spokesperson faced a storm of questions from reporters> — see barrage
4 a state of noisy, confused activity <a few minutes of calm before the storm, when the store would open its doors on the busiest day of the year> — see commotion
5 a steady falling of water from the sky in significant quantity <the storm caused major damage to our barn> — see rain 1
6 a sudden intense expression of strong feeling <a storm of indignation and demands for his resignation arose when the mayorʼs dishonesty was exposed> — see outburst 1
7 a violent disturbance (as of the political or social order) <civil wars and other storms of unrest swept through the African continent> — see convulsion