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

Do we think Ossoff meant to trigger the firestorm he did?

From Slate ● Aug. 21, 2026

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

While early efforts showed promise, the chain’s move to change its longtime logo and pull tchotchkes off restaurant walls set off a firestorm last summer.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026

Yet the car crash involving San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan generated a firestorm far from the Palo Alto street where he collided with an SUV on July 14.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026

The firestorm Charles had long feared had not come to pass.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman