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

He and two other veterans presented Harris with a Pulaski, a wildfire tool used for building firebreaks, and a paratrooper patch.

From Los Angeles Times

As Robert Kuttner asks at The American Prospect, “where are the firebreaks?” that should be slowing down and stopping the Trump administration and its forces as they rampage against American democracy and society.

From Salon

A true paradigm shift could include strategic buffer zones, permanent escape routes and urban firebreaks.

From Los Angeles Times

Eucalyptus trees made fine firebreaks — when they weren’t burning themselves, all that fragrant oil flaming and flaring away.

From Los Angeles Times

The county created a fund for hundreds of men to work on firebreaks.

From Los Angeles Times