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

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

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 29, 2026

She argues that Richmond, alienated from the king and disgusted by parliamentary passivity, kindled a printed firestorm in the public sphere.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026

But the worst of the firestorm appears now to be behind the company.

From Barron's ● Jun. 10, 2026

County officials heralded the investigation for providing new details from the chaotic first hours of the firestorm, which highlighted incident commanders’ lack of situational awareness.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 29, 2026

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

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