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

At a hearing last week on extending the order, Judge Brendan A. Hurson told the courtroom full of ICE protesters that he understood the political firestorm surrounding the lawsuit.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2026

But earlier this year, Davidson inadvertently found himself and his condition at the center of a media firestorm.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

The inequity sparked a firestorm on social media.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The firestorm stoked by Rep. Khanna hasn’t only made a scapegoat of anybody who was personally associated with Epstein, however innocently.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

I had wanted to get us out of the water two hours before, but we kept hearing the sound of falling trees and the crackling remnants of the terrible firestorm.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken