1. To fall as rain:
* "It rained heavily all night."
* "The clouds are raining down on us."
2. To shower down abundantly:
* "He rained blows on the punching bag."
* "The chef rained compliments on the new apprentice."
3. To cause something to fall like rain:
* "He rained stones down on the attackers."
* "The storm rained debris on the town."
4. (Figuratively) To give abundantly or freely:
* "The company rained bonuses on its employees."
* "She rained blessings on her children."
Example Sentences:
* "The clouds rained down on the parched earth." (Meaning 1)
* "The boxer rained punches on his opponent." (Meaning 2)
* "The hail rained down on the roof." (Meaning 3)
* "The government rained money on the struggling industry." (Meaning 4)
As you can see, using "rain" as a verb adds a sense of intensity and abundance to the action.