Storm
/stɔːrm/noun
A violent atmospheric disturbance with strong winds, rain, thunder, or snow.
Did you know?Storm is ultimately tied to an ancient Germanic root meaning violent agitation or assault, which is why related words across the family can feel so forceful and physical.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ster-
“to strew, scatter, or spread”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*sturmaz
“storm, tumult, violent weather”
Old English
English
storm
“storm, tempest, disturbance”
Old Norse
ON
stormr
“storm, violent weather”
Middle English
English
storm
“a violent disturbance of the atmosphere”
Modern English
English
storm
“a violent atmospheric disturbance with strong winds, rain, thunder, or snow”