firebreak

[ fahyuhr-breyk ]

noun

1. a strip of plowed or cleared land made to check the spread of a prairie or forest fire.

firebreak

/ ˈfaɪəˌbreɪk /

noun

1. Alsofireguardfire line a strip of open land in a forest or on a prairie, to arrest the advance of a fire
2. a measure taken to arrest the advance of anything dangerous or harmful

Word History and Origins

Origin of firebreak¹

First recorded in 1890–95; fire + break

Example Sentences

She says the Wales TUC viewed the firebreak as the "right call" but Westminster's unwillingness to provide financial support for workers was unfair.

From BBC

He said because up to 30% of cases in young adults were asymptomatic, the spread of the virus would increase once any firebreak ended.

From BBC

Calls for extra job support for the Welsh firebreak were rejected in October 2020, and the furlough scheme was only extended after a lockdown was announced for England.

From BBC

During the hearing on Thursday, the former prime minister claimed it was not clear that Wales' short 'firebreak' lockdown, which began the following month, had worked.

From BBC

State officials are seeking additional funding from the Legislature next year for updated firefighting equipment, firebreaks, new water sources for fire suppression, replanting native trees and plants, and seed storage.

From Seattle Times