downpour
UK: ˈdaʊn.pɔːr | US: ˈdaʊn.pɔːr
n. a heavy and sudden rainstorm
n. (figuratively) an intense or overwhelming amount of something
The word "downpour" combines "down," from Old English dūne (meaning "from a higher to a lower position"), and "pour," from Old French purer (meaning "to flow or stream"). The term emerged in the early 19th century to describe rain falling heavily and continuously, emphasizing the downward direction of the rainfall. The logic is straightforward: "down" specifies direction, while "pour" conveys intensity, creating a vivid image of rain streaming downward in large quantities.
We got caught in a sudden downpour and were completely soaked.
The weather forecast warns of a downpour later this afternoon.
A downpour of complaints flooded the customer service department.
After weeks of drought, the farmers welcomed the downpour.
The downpour turned the streets into rivers within minutes.