storm a period of very bad weather when there is a lot of rain or snow, strong winds, and often lightning:
The ship sank in a violent storm. They got caught in a storm on top of the mountain. The storm hit the coast of Florida on Tuesday. The cost of repairing storm damage will run into millions of pounds.thunderstorm a storm in which there is a lot of
thunder (=loud noise in the sky) and
lightning (=flashes of light in the sky):
When I was young i was terrified of thunderstorms.hurricane a storm that has very strong fast winds and that moves over water – used about storms in the North Atlantic Ocean:
Hurricane Katrina battered the US Gulf Coast. the hurricane seasontyphoon a very violent tropical storm – used about storms in the Western Pacific Ocean:
A powerful typhoon hit southern China today. Weather experts are monitoring typhoons in Hong Kong and China.cyclone a severe storm affecting a large area, in which the wind moves around in a big circle:
Thousands of people died when a tropical cyclone hit Bangladesh. Cyclone ‘Joy’ inflicted damage estimated at $40 million, with winds of up to 145 miles per hour.tornado (
also twister American English informal) an extremely violent storm that consists of air that spins very quickly and causes a lot of damage:
The tornado ripped the roof off his house. For the second time in a week deadly tornadoes have torn through Tennessee.snowstorm a storm with strong winds and a lot of snow:
A major snowstorm blew across Colorado.blizzard a severe snowstorm in which the snow is blown around by strong winds, making it difficult to see anything:
We got stuck in a blizzard. Denver is bracing itself for blizzard conditions.attack to use weapons to try to damage or take control of a place:
The village was attacked by enemy warplanes. We will attack at dawn.invade to enter a country and try to get control of it using force:
The Romans invaded Britain 2,000 years ago.besiege /bɪˈsiːdʒ/ to surround a city or building with soldiers in order to stop the people inside from getting out or from receiving supplies:
In April 655, Osman’s palace was besieged by rebels. [TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲
wind air moving in a current, especially strongly or quickly:
A cold wind was blowing from the east. Strong winds caused damage to many buildings.breeze a gentle pleasant wind:
The trees were moving gently in the breeze. A slight breeze ruffled her hair.draught British English,
draft American English /drɑːft $ dræft/ a current of cool air which blows into a room, especially one that makes you feel uncomfortable:
There’s a bit of a draught in here – can you close the door?gale a very strong wind:
The ship was blown off course in a severe gale. Howling gales and torrential rain continued throughout the night.hurricane a storm that has very strong fast winds and that moves over water – used about storms in the North Atlantic Ocean:
The hurricane devastated Florida and killed at least 40 people.typhoon a violent tropical storm – used about storms in the Western Pacific Ocean:
A typhoon has hit the Philippines, lifting roofs off houses and uprooting trees.tornado (
also twister American English informal) a violent storm with strong winds that spin very quickly in a circle, often forming a cloud that is narrower at the bottom than the top:
The town was hit by a tornado that damaged several homes.cyclone a violent tropical storm with strong winds that spin in a circle:
A devastating cyclone struck Bangladesh in April that year. This cyclone was traveling at speeds in excess of 21 miles per hour. [TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲