storm-racked: Idiom Meaning and Origin

Storm-racked is an idiom that describes something severely affected or damaged by a storm. It conveys a sense of devastation, destruction, or chaos. The term "storm-racked" is not as commonly used as other idioms, but it can be found in literature, news articles, and everyday conversations.

The idiom "stormy weather" is closely related to "storm-racked." It refers to weather conditions characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, thunder, and lightning. Stormy weather is often turbulent and unpredictable. When something is described as "storm-racked," it means it has endured the destructive force of a storm, both physically and emotionally.

The idiom "rack and ruin" is also related to "storm-racked." "Rack" means to cause extreme anguish, suffering, or distress. When combined with the word "storm," the term "storm-racked" emphasizes the magnitude of the damage or turmoil experienced as a result of a storm. "Ruin" implies complete destruction or devastation.

Examples of the usage of the idiom "storm-racked" can be found in various literary works. In Edith Wharton's novel The Age of Innocence, the author writes, "The looming of the storm-racked mountains of the moon." This sentence vividly describes the moon's appearance, suggesting it has been greatly affected by the storm.

News articles also use the idiom "storm-racked" to describe the aftermath of severe weather events. For example, a headline might read, "Coastal communities left storm-racked after hurricane." This conveys the significant impact and devastation caused by the hurricane, emphasizing the widespread destruction and turmoil experienced by those affected.

In everyday conversations, the idiom "storm-racked" is used to describe situations or individuals greatly affected or overwhelmed by difficulties. For instance, someone might say, "After losing her job, she was left storm-racked, struggling to make ends meet." This reflects the figurative sense of the idiom, highlighting the emotional and financial distress experienced by the individual.

The idiom "storm-racked" effectively conveys extreme devastation, destruction, or chaos resulting from a storm. Its figurative usage allows for a broader interpretation beyond literal storms, encompassing various forms of turmoil and hardship. Whether used in literature or everyday conversations, this idiom captures the impact and consequences of intense adversity.