Definition

Noun: A bomb specifically designed and used to start fires upon detonation. Its primary purpose is to ignite combustible materials, making it most effective against flammable targets like fuel depots, wooden structures, or other assets vulnerable to fire.

Usage

This term is used to describe a specific class of explosive ordnance in military, historical, and technical contexts. It refers to the weapon's incendiary (fire-starting) function rather than its blast effect.

Examples

• Noun:
  • During the war, the city was heavily damaged by incendiary bombs.
  • The military stockpile included hundreds of incendiary bombs for strategic attacks.
  • Firefighters struggled to contain the blazes caused by the incendiary bombs.

Advanced Usage

• "to drop incendiary bombs": to deploy such weapons from an aircraft.
  • The squadron was ordered to drop incendiary bombs on the enemy supply lines.

Variants and Related Words

• Incendiary (adj/n): (Adjective) Describing something designed to cause fires. (Noun) A person who stirs up conflict, or an incendiary device.
  • The speech had an incendiary effect on the crowd. (adj)
  • The police arrested the incendiary for arson. (n)
• Firebomb (n): A synonym, often a simple device like a Molotov cocktail, but can also refer to an aerial incendiary bomb.
  • Protesters threw firebombs at the building.

Synonyms

• Firebomb: A bomb designed to cause a fire.
• Thermite bomb: A specific type of incendiary bomb using thermite, which burns at extremely high temperatures.

Related Phrases

• Incendiary device: A broader term for any equipment or apparatus made to start fires, which includes but is not limited to bombs.
  • The package was found to contain a simple incendiary device.

Noun

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