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

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

2

a

: a sudden or violent outburst

a firestorm of public protest

b

: a raging controversy

a political firestorm

Synonyms

• controversy
• debate
• dispute
• disputation
• disagreement

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

Kimmel last week sparked a firestorm via comments on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk that garnered a rebuke from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and his ABC suspension. —Tara Suter, The Hill, 24 Sep. 2025

This launched a firestorm of controversy, and even condemnation from FCC chairman Brendan Carr. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 22 Sep. 2025

The suit was filed as the president was fighting a firestorm of criticism over the government’s handling of documents related to the late, disgraced financier. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025

His assassination has ignited a firestorm across the country. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 21 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for firestorm

• chloroform
• coliform
• cribriform
• cruciform
• filiform
• fusiform
• isoform
• microform
• multiform
• multiforme
• outperform
• piriform