firestorm

American  

[fahyuhr-stawrm] / ˈfaɪərˌstɔrm /

Or fire storm

noun

1. an atmospheric phenomenon, caused by a large fire, in which the rising column of air above the fire draws in strong winds often accompanied by rain.

2. a raging fire of great intensity, as one fueled by oil or gas, that spreads rapidly.

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firestorm British  

/ ˈfaɪəˌstɔːm /

noun

1. an uncontrollable blaze sustained by violent winds that are drawn into the column of rising hot air over the burning area: often the result of heavy bombing

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Etymology

Origin of firestorm

First recorded in 1575–85; fire + storm

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

firestorm

Tucakovic said the firestorm burned through "everything in their path" as officials confirmed flames, fanned by strong winds, engulfed 1,000 hectares in just four hours.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

Recently, after a San Francisco Chronicle reporter posted a photo online of a neighborhood town hall devoted to the development, the generational divide turned into a social-media firestorm.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026

That set off a firestorm of comments about whether or not Grantham was a hypocrite.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 29, 2026

At the center of this firestorm is JD Vance.

From Salon ● Jun. 22, 2026

The machine had gained altitude and left the firestorm behind.

From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld