storm

I. 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 <

storms 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 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 <

stormed ashore at zero hour

> 3. to be in or to exhibit a violent passion ; rage <

storming at the unusual delay

> 4. to rush about or move impetuously, violently, or angrily <

the mob stormed through the streets

> transitive verb to attack, take, or win over by storm <

storm a fort

> Synonyms: see attack