flamethrower

[fleym-throh-er]

noun

1. a weapon, either mounted or portable, that sprays ignited incendiary fuel for some distance.

2. Agriculture.,  flame cultivator.

Word History and Origins

Origin of flamethrower¹

First recorded in 1915–20; flame + thrower

Example Sentences

Sen. John Cornyn, not typically a flamethrower, is taunting Paxton, his primary challenger, for not doing more to drag the Democrats back.

From Salon

That’s when his speech is cut off by an orange-faced Mr. Garrison stepping up and roasting the scientist, pangolin and hope with a flamethrower.

From Salon

The FBI called it a suspected terror attack and said the suspect had used a makeshift flamethrower, Molotov cocktails and other incendiary devices.

From BBC

Another appeared to use a makeshift flamethrower to set the interior of a car ablaze.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, that polarity motif is more thrillingly captured when Eve fends off a flamethrower with a fire hose.

From Los Angeles Times

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