# storm

/ˈstɔɹm/ (US) · /stˈɔːm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/storm
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. bad weather

noun · CEFR A2

very bad weather with strong winds and usually rain, thunder, or snow.

For teachers: an atmospheric disturbance manifested by strong winds and usually accompanied by precipitation and thunder.

- The power went out during the storm because of the heavy rain and wind.
- The coastal town prepared for the approaching storm by boarding up windows and securing loose outdoor furniture against the predicted gale-force winds.

### 2. outburst of emotion

noun · CEFR B2

a sudden, strong expression of feeling or a loud reaction from a group of people.

For teachers: a violent or noisy outburst of emotion, speech, or social commotion.

- His controversial comments caused a storm of protest on social media.
- The CEO's sudden resignation sparked a storm of speculation regarding the company's financial stability and future leadership.

### 3. military attack

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a sudden and violent attack on a building or a strong position.

For teachers: a sudden, violent assault on a fortified position or stronghold.

- The soldiers prepared for the final storm of the castle walls.
- Historical accounts suggest the storm of the fortress was a desperate measure taken after weeks of failed negotiations.

### 4. to move angrily

verb · CEFR B2

to move quickly and noisily because you are very angry.

For teachers: to move in a vigorous, noisy, or domineering manner, typically expressive of anger.

- After the argument, she stormed out of the room and slammed the door.
- The manager stormed into the office, demanding an immediate explanation for the catastrophic failure of the morning's presentation.

### 5. to attack a place

verb · CEFR B2

to suddenly attack and enter a place using force.

For teachers: to capture or attempt to capture a place by means of a sudden, violent assault.

- Police officers stormed the building to rescue the people trapped inside.
- Special forces units stormed the compound under the cover of darkness, successfully neutralizing the threat without civilian casualties.

### 6. weathering

verb · CEFR B1

to have very bad weather with wind and rain.

For teachers: to blow with violence; used impersonally to describe the occurrence of a tempest.

- It has been storming all night, so the roads are flooded this morning.
- While it stormed outside, the family gathered around the fireplace, listening to the thunder rattle the windowpanes.

Usage: Often used with the dummy subject 'it'.

## Examples

- The storm blew down several trees in our garden.
- The sailors decided to stay in the harbor until the storm passed and the sea became calm again.
- Meteorologists warned that the approaching storm could bring record-breaking rainfall and significant coastal flooding to the low-lying regions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.