brimstone

[ brim-stohn ]

noun

1. sulfur.
2. a virago; shrew.

brimstone

/ ˈbrɪmˌstəʊn /

noun

1. an obsolete name for sulphur
2. a common yellow butterfly, Gonepteryx rhamni , of N temperate regions of the Old World: family Pieridae
3. archaic.
   a scolding nagging woman; virago

Other Words From

• brimstony adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of brimstone¹

before 1150; Middle English brinston, etc., late Old English brynstān. See burn ¹, stone

Word History and Origins

Origin of brimstone¹

Old English brynstān ; related to Old Norse brennistein ; see burn ¹, stone

Example Sentences

Such was the fire and brimstone wrought by Wood, Hodge pleaded for mercy by telling the bowler he had a "wife and kids" back in Dominica.

From BBC

Lord, how they love to preach fire and brimstone.

From Salon

He invoked the same fire and brimstone imagery at Mar-a-Lago after his indictment that he invoked in his Waco rally in late March.

From Salon

Sanders began Wednesday's hearing with his usual fire and brimstone.

From Salon

Soon, Chuck’s preaching at Calvary Chapel is less fire and brimstone and more peace and love, with a rock band, Love Song, to boot.

From Los Angeles Times