Definition

1. Noun:

   • An explosive device designed to cause destruction primarily by starting a fire, rather than through blast force. It is typically filled with flammable substances like gasoline, napalm, or thermite and is most effective against flammable targets such as fuel depots, buildings, or vehicles.

2. Verb:

   • To attack a target using a firebomb or firebombs.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The police found a crude firebomb made from a bottle and gasoline.
  • The warehouse, full of oil drums, was a perfect target for a firebomb.

• Verb:

  • Protesters threatened to firebomb the empty building.
  • During the war, enemy planes would firebomb entire city blocks.

Advanced Usage

• The verb "to firebomb" describes a specific, violent act of attack. It is often used in contexts of civil unrest, terrorism, or warfare.
• The term can be used figuratively to describe intense criticism or a scathing verbal attack, though this is less common.
  • The critic's review was so harsh it was like a verbal firebomb.

Variants and Related Words

• Incendiary device / bomb: A more formal or technical synonym for a firebomb.
• Molotov cocktail: A specific, improvised type of firebomb, typically a glass bottle filled with flammable liquid and a rag wick.
• Firebombing (n): The act or instance of attacking with firebombs.
  • The firebombing of the neighborhood caused widespread panic.

Synonyms

• Noun: Incendiary, incendiary device, incendiary bomb.
• Verb: Torch (informal), attack with incendiaries.

Related Phrases

• To be firebombed: The passive form, describing the target of the attack.
  • Several stores were firebombed during the riots.

Noun

1. a bomb that is designed to start fires; is most effective against flammable targets (such as fuel)

Verb

1. attack with incendiary bombs
   • The rioters fire-bombed the stores