petrol bomb

noun

, British.

1. Molotov cocktail.

petrol bomb

noun

1. a home-made incendiary device, consisting of a bottle filled with petrol and stoppered with a wick, that is thrown by hand; Molotov cocktail

verb

1. tr to attack with petrol bombs

Derived Forms

• petrol bomber, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrol bomb¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

On Bonfire Night last year, about 100 young people clashed with riot police with fireworks and petrol bombs being thrown directly at officers, while there were similar incidents in Sighthill and Southhouse.

From BBC

The charges include riot, three counts of possessing petrol bombs in suspicious circumstances, and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

From BBC

This comes after number of petrol bombs were found by police in the vicinity of Spencer Road in Derry.

From BBC

The rallies follow days of sporadic rioting and disorder in several parts of the city during which the police officers were attacked by people throwing petrol bombs and masonry.

From BBC

In Tamworth, Staffordshire, a hotel used to house people in the asylum system was targeted by rioters using petrol bombs and fireworks.

From BBC