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
Synonyms
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
George Clooney wrote a scathing essay demanding Biden step out of the race that set off a new firestorm of criticism of the president.
—Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 July 2024
Being caught in a firestorm is a test of emotions as well as brainpower and judgment.
—Dan McGinn, Washington Post, 11 July 2024
In the firestorm that followed, the two-term governor has found herself near the top of the Frequently Mentioned Replacements should the 81-year-old president heed calls to step back from the race just a month before Democrats convene in Chicago.
—Susan Page, USA TODAY, 9 July 2024
Listen to this article Five years ago, hundreds of teens met up at the Inner Harbor over Memorial Day weekend, setting off a firestorm of public opinion after some grew rowdy and six were arrested.
—Darcy Costello, Baltimore Sun, 14 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for firestorm 
Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 July 2024
Being caught in a firestorm is a test of emotions as well as brainpower and judgment.
—Dan McGinn, Washington Post, 11 July 2024
In the firestorm that followed, the two-term governor has found herself near the top of the Frequently Mentioned Replacements should the 81-year-old president heed calls to step back from the race just a month before Democrats convene in Chicago.
—Susan Page, USA TODAY, 9 July 2024
Listen to this article Five years ago, hundreds of teens met up at the Inner Harbor over Memorial Day weekend, setting off a firestorm of public opinion after some grew rowdy and six were arrested.
—Darcy Costello, Baltimore Sun, 14 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for firestorm
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'firestorm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Firestorm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firestorm. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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