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DictionarytempestViolent storm
noun

tempest

TEM-pist/ˈtempɪst/

A violent windstorm.

The tempest bends the tree sideways under violent wind and rain.

Violent storm bends one sturdy tree hard sideways under slashing rain, small roof edge and blowing branches, localized storm-cloud wash; strong wind and heavy rain both visible.
Etymology
tempestLatintime, weather, storm

Latin tempestas could mean a period of time or its weather. The weather sense narrowed to bad weather and then a storm, giving English its violent meaning.

In context

Libranima298:50
they will swear in the trance of the calm, and in the teeth of the tempest; they will imprecate curses from the topsail- yard- a rms, when most they teeter over to a seething sea
Moby Dick - Illustrated Audiobook for Focused Reading (Part 3/3)

More examples

  • The tempest tore branches from the trees.
  • We stayed inside until the tempest passed.
  • Winter tempests often damage the island's fishing docks.

Forms

tempest · tempests

tempestuous adjective — Characterized by violent winds and storms.

Similar words

storm
A broader term that does not necessarily imply violent winds.
gale
Emphasizes very strong winds rather than the storm as a whole.
squall
A sudden, brief burst of strong wind, often with precipitation.