First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1storm
noun, often attributive \ˈstȯrm\
: an occurrence of bad weather in which there is a lot of rain, snow, etc., and often strong winds
: a sudden occurrence of something in large amounts
: a situation in which many people are angry, upset, etc.
Full Definition of STORM
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
— by storm
: by or as if by employing a bold swift frontal movement especially 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>
See storm defined for English-language learners
See storm defined for kids
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Origin of STORM
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German sturm storm, Old English styrian to stir
2storm
verb
—used with it to say that a storm (sense 1) is happening
: to attack (something) suddenly with a lot of force or with a large number of people
: to go quickly and in an angry, loud way
Full Definition of STORM
intransitive verb1
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>
See storm defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of STORM
15th century
Synonym Discussion of STORM
attack, assail, assault, bombard, storm mean to make an onslaught upon. attack implies taking the initiative in a struggle <plan to attack the town at dawn>. assail implies attempting to break down resistance by repeated blows or shots <assailed the enemy with artillery fire>. assault suggests a direct attempt to overpower by suddenness and violence of onslaught <commandos assaulted the building from all sides>. bombard applies to attacking with bombs or shells <bombarded the city nightly>. storm implies attempting to break into a defended position <preparing to storm the fortress>.
STORM Defined for Kids
1storm
noun \ˈstȯrm\
Definition of STORM for Kids
1
: a heavy fall of rain, snow, or sleet often with strong winds
2
: a serious disturbance of any element of nature <a dust storm>
3
: a strong outburst <a storm of protest>
4
: a violent attack on a defended position <The army took the fort by storm.>
2storm
verb
stormedstorm·ing
Definition of STORM for Kids
1
: to blow hard and rain, snow, or sleet heavily
2
: to make a sudden mass attack against <Soldiers stormed the fort.>
3
: to feel or express angry feelings : rage <He stormed at the long delay.>
4
: to rush about violently or angrily <I stormed out of Mandy's room and rushed to the library … — Gail Carson Levine, Ella Enchanted>
Medical Dictionary
storm
noun \ˈstȯ(ə)rm\
Medical Definition of STORM
: a crisis or sudden increase in the symptoms of a disease—see thyroid storm
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