I. ˈstȯrm noun
Usage: often attributive
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
- up a storm
II. verb
Date: 15th century
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to blow with violence
b. : to rain, hail, snow, or sleet vigorously
2. : to attack by storm
storm ed ashore at zero hour
3. : to be in or to exhibit a violent passion : rage
storm ing at the unusual delay
4. : to rush about or move impetuously, violently, or angrily
the mob storm ed through the streets
transitive verb
: to attack, take, or win over by storm
storm a fort
Synonyms: see attack