1. An extensive current of wind, rushing with great velocity and violence; a storm of extreme violence. We usually apply the word to a steady wind of long continuance; but we say also of a tornado, it blew a tempest. The currents of wind are named, according to their respective degrees of force or rapidity, a breeze, a gale, a storm, a tempest; but gale is also used as synonymous with storm, and storm with tempest. Gust is usually applied to a sudden blast of short duration. A tempest may or may not be attended with rain, snow or hail.
We, caught in a fiery tempest,shall be hurl'd
Each on his rock transfix'd--
2. A violent tumult or commotion; as a popular or political tempest; the tempest of war.
3. Perturbation; violent agitation; as a tempest of the
passions.
TEM'PEST, v.t. To disturb as by a tempest of the passions. [Little used.]
