squall

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a sudden, brief increase in wind speed, often accompanied by rain or snow

   A violent squall struck the harbor without warning.

2. 2
   verb

   to cry or scream loudly and harshly

   The frightened child began to squall when the lights went out.

3. 3
   verb

   of wind or weather, to blow in sudden violent bursts

   It began to squall just as the sailors shortened the canvas.

The crying verb comes through Middle English from Old Norse skvala, 'to cry out,' and is partly imitative. The weather sense is probably related to Scandinavian words for a sudden rush of water or wind, reinforced by the same idea of a sharp outburst.

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