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

During descent, the Orion capsule where the astronauts have been living and working will slam into the planet’s atmosphere, exposing it to a firestorm reaching 5,000 degrees.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

We matter as much to him as a firestorm cares about kindling.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026

Residents near the burn scars from last year’s firestorm will remain under an evacuation warning through Tuesday.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

Marcos is facing a public firestorm over sham infrastructure projects meant to control flooding in the archipelago country, where typhoon-driven rains submerged entire towns last year.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

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

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