firestorm

American  

[fahyuhr-stawrm] / ˈfaɪərˌstɔrm /

Or fire storm

noun

1. an atmospheric phenomenon, caused by a large fire, in which the rising column of air above the fire draws in strong winds often accompanied by rain.

2. a raging fire of great intensity, as one fueled by oil or gas, that spreads rapidly.

---

firestorm British  

/ ˈfaɪəˌstɔːm /

noun

1. an uncontrollable blaze sustained by violent winds that are drawn into the column of rising hot air over the burning area: often the result of heavy bombing

---

Etymology

Origin of firestorm

First recorded in 1575–85; fire + storm

Example Sentences

The pause on Paul’s season is the latest example of how ABC’s reality TV dating franchise centered on rose-colored love stories has become plagued by firestorms.

From Los Angeles Times

We matter as much to him as a firestorm cares about kindling.

From Salon

When the January 2025 firestorms swept through Altadena and Pacific Palisades they not only burned down homes but left thousands still standing riddled with smoke damage.

From Los Angeles Times

Her brother worries that she and the 30 others who died in the January 2025 firestorm are being forgotten amid a focus on recovery and rebuilding.

From Los Angeles Times

The remarks landed as a pointed rejoinder to Chalamet, who sparked a firestorm last month after appearing to question the cultural relevance of classical performance arts.

From Barron's