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storm

(stôrm)

1. An atmospheric disturbance manifested in strong winds accompanied by rain, snow, or other precipitation and often by thunder and lightning.

2. A wind with a speed from 48 to 55 knots (55 to 63 miles per hour; 89 to 102 kilometers per hour), according to the Beaufort scale. Also called whole gale.

3. A heavy shower of objects, such as bullets or missiles.

4. A strong or violent outburst, as of emotion or excitement: a storm of tears.

5. A violent disturbance or upheaval, as in political, social, or domestic affairs: a storm of protest.

6. A violent, sudden attack on a fortified place.

7. A storm window.

v. stormed, storm·ing, storms

v.intr.

1. To blow with strong winds and usually produce copious rain, snow, or other precipitation: It stormed throughout the night.

2. To behave or shout angrily; rant and rage: stormed at his incompetence.

3. To move or rush tumultuously, violently, or angrily: stormed up the embankment; stormed out of the room.

v.tr.

1. To assault or capture suddenly: The troops stormed the fortress. See Synonyms at attack.

2. To travel around (a place) vigorously in an attempt to gain support: The candidates stormed the country.

3. To shout angrily: "Never!" she stormed.

Idiom:

take by storm

To captivate completely: a new play that took New York City by storm.

[Middle English, from Old English.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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