n.
Pronunciation: ' sto ̇ rm
Function: noun
Usage: often attrib
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German sturm storm, Old English styrian to stir
Date: before 12th century
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 < storm s 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 >