Definition

Noun: A storm characterized by strong, often destructive, winds, with little or no precipitation (rain, snow, etc.). It is a meteorological event where wind is the primary source of damage and disruption.

Usage

The word "windstorm" is used to describe a severe weather event. It is a countable noun. - It often refers to storms where high winds are the main hazard, such as derechos, severe thunderstorms without heavy rain, or powerful extra-tropical cyclones. - It is typically used in weather reports, news articles, and formal descriptions of storm damage.

Examples

• The windstorm uprooted trees and knocked out power for thousands of residents.
• Meteorologists issued a warning for a severe windstorm expected to hit the coast tonight.
• After the windstorm passed, the streets were littered with branches and debris.
• Such a powerful windstorm is rare for this region in the summer.

Advanced Usage

• "to weather a windstorm": to survive or endure a windstorm, often used metaphorically to mean surviving a period of difficulty or turmoil.
  • The old barn managed to weather the windstorm with only minor damage.
  • The company is trying to weather the financial windstorm.

Variants and Related Words

• Windstorm is a compound word formed from "wind" + "storm."
• Gale: A very strong wind, often used in the context of a windstorm at sea.
• Squall: A sudden, violent gust of wind or a localized storm, especially one bringing rain, snow, or sleet.
• Tempest: A violent, windy storm (literary).
• Derecho: A specific type of widespread, long-lived windstorm associated with a fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms.

Synonyms

• Gale
• Tempest (literary)
• Blow (informal, as in "a heavy blow")
• High-wind event (technical/meteorological)

Related Phrases/Idioms

• The calm before the storm: A period of quiet before something turbulent or chaotic happens. This idiom is often associated with the quiet period before a windstorm or hurricane arrives.
  • The strange silence felt like the calm before the storm.

Noun

1. a storm consisting of violent winds