storm

storm [stôrm]

n.

[ME < OE, akin to Ger sturm < IE base * (s)twer-, to whirl, move or turn quickly > STIR¹, L turbare, to agitate]

1. an atmospheric disturbance characterized by a strong wind, usually accompanied by rain, snow, sleet, or hail, and, often, thunder and lightning

2. any heavy fall of snow, rain, or hail

3. anything resembling a storm; specif.,

a) a heavy shower or volley of things [a storm of bullets]

b) a strong outburst of emotion, passion, excitement, etc.

c) a strong disturbance or upheaval of a political or social nature

4. a sudden, strong attack on a fortified place: now mainly in the phrase take by storm, to conquer, overwhelm, or win over suddenly and forcefully

5. Meteorol. a wind whose speed is 64 to 72 miles per hour: see the Beaufort scale in the Reference Supplement

vi.

1. to be stormy; blow violently, rain, snow, etc.

2. to be violently angry; rage; rant

3. to rush or move violently and tumultuously [to storm into a room]

vt.

1. to attack or direct something at (someone) in a vigorous or angry outburst [to storm a speaker with questions]

2. to capture or attempt to capture (a fortified place) with a sudden, strong attack

SYN.- ATTACK