Squall

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈskwɔːl/

Definitions

1. A sudden violent gust of wind often accompanied by rain, snow, or sleet, typically occurring at sea or in open areas
2. a sudden and intense storm or wind with precipitation that strikes abruptly in exposed regions
3. an abrupt violent outbreak of wind frequently joined by rain or snow that occurs without warning

Etymology: The most surprising thing about "squall" is that the wind came second: the word first described a human noise. Middle English had "squalen" and "squelen," meaning to cry out or scream, and the sound of a child's shriek and the sudden blast of a storm were linked in speakers' minds long before the weather sense took over. The verb came into English from Old Norse "skvala," meaning to cry out, and it sits in a tight family of sound words alongside "squeal" and "bawl," which probably shaped its spelling and rhythm as well. The verb's Scandinavian cousins point the other way. Swedish "skvala" means to gush or pour down, and Norwegian "skval" names a sudden rush of water. These senses suggest the storm meaning grew out of the cry, with the noun most likely formed from the verb. The wild, loud, sudden character of a gust seems to have fused the two ideas, so a violent wind became a squall.

Synonyms: storm, gust, tempest, blizzard, squall line

Antonyms: calm, tranquility, serenity, peace, stillness