firebomb

American  

[fahyuhr-bom] / ˈfaɪərˌbɒm /

noun

1. an explosive device with incendiary effects.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to attack with a firebomb or firebombs.

firebomb British  

/ ˈfaɪəˌbɒm /

noun

1. another name for incendiary

---

verb

1. (tr) to attack with incendiary bombs

Other Word Forms

• firebomber noun

Etymology

Origin of firebomb

First recorded in 1895–1900; fire + bomb

Example Sentences

The first and most deadly firebomb raid was on March 10, 1945, and hit Tokyo.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 30, 2022

Of course, the company's premises on Poland Street in London's Soho went through the war undamaged, in spite of a firebomb once landing metres away.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2022

“Even in the face of advertising boycotts, assaults on its journalists and firebomb attacks, the paper persevered and thrived, living proof of the freedoms Hong Kong enjoyed despite its return to Chinese rule in 1997.”

From Slate • Jun. 23, 2021

But it helps not to firebomb all the goodwill before nature takes its course.

From Washington Post • Apr. 30, 2021

A Greek firebomb exploded right on top of him, but he raised his palm and sucked the flames out of the air.

From "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan