tempest

[ tem-pist ]

noun

1. a violent windstorm, especially one with rain, hail, or snow.
2. a violent commotion, disturbance, or tumult.

verb (used with object)

1. to affect by or as by a tempest; disturb violently.

tempest

/ ˈtɛmpɪst /

noun

1. literary.
   a violent wind or storm
2. a violent commotion, uproar, or disturbance

verb

1. poetic.
   tr to agitate or disturb violently

Word History and Origins

Origin of tempest¹

1200–50; Middle English tempeste < Old French < Vulgar Latin *tempesta, for Latin tempestās season, weather, storm, equivalent to tempes- (variant stem of tempus time) + -tās -ty ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of tempest¹

C13: from Old French tempeste, from Latin tempestās storm, from tempus time

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. tempest in a teacup. teacup ( def 3 ).

Example Sentences

He watched as one tempest swept away about $1 million in rides and other property in the span of 15 minutes.

From Los Angeles Times

And selling herself and her hospital to the camera crew, McLendon-Covey turns herself up high, a tempest of real and forced enthusiasm.

From Los Angeles Times

Is it just another tempest in a teapot?

From Salon

The tempest reached a crescendo with little drama other than splashing water.

From Seattle Times

In the longer term, however, Mr Dhume said that remarks are a "tempest in a teacup" and "unlikely to significantly affect US-Indian relations."

From BBC

Related Words

• cyclone
• furor
• hurricane
• squall
• tornado
• tumult
• upheaval
• uproar
• windstorm