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storm
/stɔːrm/
violent weather with wind and rain
The storm knocked down trees and flooded the streets.
A powerful weather event caused damage from strong winds and heavy rain.
neutral
A violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds and usually rain, thunder, lightning, or snow.
A severe storm hit the coast last night, causing power outages.
A dangerous weather event with heavy rain and wind caused electricity to fail in the area.
The weather forecast predicts a storm tomorrow.
Meteorologists expect a day with heavy rain, wind, and possible thunder.
Used for both literal weather events and metaphorical situations (e.g., 'a storm of emotions').
figurative
A sudden, strong outburst of emotion or activity.
There was a storm of protests after the announcement.
Many people reacted angrily and publicly to the news.
She faced a storm of criticism for her decision.
She received intense negative reactions from many people.
Often used in expressions like 'storm of protest' or 'storm of controversy'.
neutral
(verb) To move forcefully or suddenly in a specified direction.
The crowd stormed the stage after the concert.
The audience rushed forward aggressively toward the performers.
Rebels stormed the government building.
Armed fighters violently took control of the building.
Commonly used in contexts of sudden, forceful movement or attack.
Collocations
thunderstorma storm with thunder and lightningsnowstorma storm with heavy snowfallstormy weatherweather conditions with strong winds and rainstorm outto leave a place angrily and suddenlystorm the castleto attack a fortified place violently
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Mastering 'storm' in context
Use 'storm' as a noun for weather events ('a terrible storm') and as a verb for sudden movements ('He stormed out of the room'). The metaphorical use ('a storm of protests') is common in news and formal writing.
Gold Rule
Literal vs. Figurative Meaning
Always check if 'storm' refers to weather (literal) or emotions/chaos (figurative). Context clues like 'rain', 'wind', or 'flood' indicate literal use; 'anger', 'protest', or 'controversy' suggest figurative.
Verb Forms
The verb 'to storm' can mean to attack violently ('The army stormed the castle') or to move angrily ('She stormed off'). Pay attention to prepositions: 'storm into' (enter angrily), 'storm out' (leave angrily).
Word Origin
From Middle English 'storm', from Old English 'storm', 'stearm', of Germanic origin (compare Old Norse 'stormr', German 'Sturm'). Related to the verb 'stir' in its original sense of 'to move violently'.
Usage Notes
The word 'storm' can be used metaphorically to describe intense emotions or chaotic situations (e.g., 'a storm of emotions'). In verb form, it often implies sudden, forceful action (e.g., 'storm into a room').
Word Breakdown
storm
violent weather or sudden forceful action
rootEnglish Dictionary