[storm] n, often attrib [ME, fr. OE; akin to OHG sturm storm, OE styrian to stir] (bef. 12c) 1 a: a disturbance of the atmosphere marked by wind and usu. 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 116 kilometers) per hour (2): whole gale d: a serious disturbance of any element of nature
2: a disturbed or agitated state: a sudden or violent commotion
3: a heavy discharge of objects (as missiles)
4: a tumultuous outburst
5. a: paroxysm, crisis b: a sudden heavy influx or onset
6: a violent assault on a defended position
7. pl: storm window -- by storm : by or as if by employing a bold swift frontal movement esp. 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" "can write up a storm"
[2]storm vi (15c) 1 a: to blow with violence b: to rain, hail, snow, or sleet vigorously
2: to attack by storm "~ed ashore at zero hour"
3: to be in or to exhibit a violent passion: rage "~ing at the unusual delay"
4: to rush about or move impetuously, violently, or angrily "the mob ~ed through the streets" ~ vt: to attack, take, or win over by storm "~ a fort" syn see attack