firestorm
noun
fire·storm
ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌstȯrm 
1
: a very intense and destructive fire usually accompanied by high winds
The Rooses' house and gardens were obliterated in the 1991 Oakland firestorm.—
Craig Summers Black
Craig Summers Black
especially
: one that is started by attack with nuclear or incendiary weapons and that creates a powerful updraft which causes very strong inrushing winds to develop in the surrounding area
His goal was to create firestorms like the ones that had consumed Hamburg and Dresden, conflagrations so vast and intense that nothing could survive them … —David M. Kennedy
David M. Kennedy 2
a
: a sudden or violent outburst
a firestorm of public protest
b
: a raging controversy
a political firestorm
Examples of firestorm in a Sentence
The bombing left the city engulfed in a firestorm.
His proposal set off a political firestorm.
a firestorm of public protest
Recent Examples on the Web
Those achievements had to be a bit of a balm for the Levi family, coming just a few months after their home in Pacific Palisades burned in the January firestorm.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2025
That decision didn’t last a weekend, but after Reagan backed down in the face of a firestorm, his Justice Department argued that the IRS rule exceeded its authority, requiring the Court to appoint a lawyer outside the government to defend it.
—The Editors, National Review, 5 May 2025
The move subjected the Olympic medalist to a media firestorm, which forced the athlete to question herself, seek out therapy and take two years off from international competition.
—Sam Gillette, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025
The highly unusual move set off a firestorm of criticism and resignations, while throwing Adams’ mayoralty in doubt, with many political figures in New York questioning whether Adams was now beholden to the Trump administration.
—Anthony Izaguirre, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for firestorm
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James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2025
That decision didn’t last a weekend, but after Reagan backed down in the face of a firestorm, his Justice Department argued that the IRS rule exceeded its authority, requiring the Court to appoint a lawyer outside the government to defend it.
—The Editors, National Review, 5 May 2025
The move subjected the Olympic medalist to a media firestorm, which forced the athlete to question herself, seek out therapy and take two years off from international competition.
—Sam Gillette, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025
The highly unusual move set off a firestorm of criticism and resignations, while throwing Adams’ mayoralty in doubt, with many political figures in New York questioning whether Adams was now beholden to the Trump administration.
—Anthony Izaguirre, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for firestorm
Cite this Entry
“Firestorm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firestorm. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
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