Word
firestorm
US/ˈfaɪɹˌstɔɹm/
UK/fˈaɪəstɔːm/
Definition
n. a very large and powerful fire that spreads quickly and is difficult to control. It can also describe a situation where a lot of people are talking or arguing about something very strongly.
n. a large, intense, and rapidly spreading fire that is difficult to extinguish. In a figurative sense, it refers to a period of intense public debate or controversy.
Examples
“The forest was destroyed by a massive firestorm.”
“The politician's controversial comments sparked a firestorm of criticism on social media.”
“The rapid spread of the firestorm was exacerbated by the dry conditions and the lack of immediate intervention from the local emergency services.”
Examples
simple
“The forest was destroyed by a massive firestorm.”
contextual
“The politician's controversial comments sparked a firestorm of criticism on social media.”
complex
“The rapid spread of the firestorm was exacerbated by the dry conditions and the lack of immediate intervention from the local emergency services.”
Real-World Examples
“The Cambridge professor, found dead last week, was at the center of a firestorm about race and hiring.” “Tucakovic said the firestorm burned through "everything in their path" as officials confirmed flames, fanned by strong winds, engulfed 1,000 hectares in just four hours.” Etymology
From fire + storm.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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