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
The movie, released months after India and Pakistan engaged in a brief armed conflict, has created a firestorm on the subcontinent, with movie critics facing online attacks over reviews.
—Tasneem Nashrulla, semafor.com, 15 Dec. 2025
What begins as a shocking tragedy quickly ignites a firestorm that captures national attention.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2025
The lack of a flag started a social media firestorm on X, with several Bills fans ripping into the referees for allowing Queen to get away with a cheap shot on their QB.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2025
Flying on the wind, sometimes miles ahead of the fire front, a firestorm of glowing embers infiltrates the home through unsealed cracks and vents, taking advantage of the combustible furniture and drapes to burn it down from within.
—New Atlas, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for firestorm
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Tasneem Nashrulla, semafor.com, 15 Dec. 2025
What begins as a shocking tragedy quickly ignites a firestorm that captures national attention.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2025
The lack of a flag started a social media firestorm on X, with several Bills fans ripping into the referees for allowing Queen to get away with a cheap shot on their QB.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2025
Flying on the wind, sometimes miles ahead of the fire front, a firestorm of glowing embers infiltrates the home through unsealed cracks and vents, taking advantage of the combustible furniture and drapes to burn it down from within.
—New Atlas, 27 Nov. 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 22 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share