firebomb: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/News/Technical
Quick answer
What does “firebomb” mean?
A bomb designed to cause a fire, typically an improvised incendiary device like a Molotov cocktail.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bomb designed to cause a fire, typically an improvised incendiary device like a Molotov cocktail.
Any explosive or incendiary device used to deliberately start a destructive fire, often in an act of terrorism, arson, or warfare. As a verb, it means to attack with such a device.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Identical strong connotations of criminal/terrorist violence.
Frequency
Similar frequency in news/media contexts in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “firebomb” in a Sentence
[Subject] firebombed [Object] (e.g., The protesters firebombed the building).[Object] was firebombed (e.g., The embassy was firebombed).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “firebomb” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Rioters attempted to firebomb the council depot.
- The vacant shop was firebombed in the early hours.
American English
- Protesters threatened to firebomb the police precinct.
- The historical archive was firebombed by extremists.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable. 'Firebomb' does not have a standard adverbial form.
American English
- Not applicable. 'Firebomb' does not have a standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- They faced charges for a firebomb plot.
- The forensic team analysed the firebomb remnants.
American English
- He was arrested on firebomb manufacturing charges.
- The firebomb incident caused extensive damage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in security/risk reports: 'The premises are at risk of being firebombed.'
Academic
Used in political science, history, and criminology texts discussing terrorism, riots, or insurgencies.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Almost exclusively encountered in news reports.
Technical
Used in forensic, law enforcement, and counter-terrorism contexts to describe a class of weapon.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “firebomb”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “firebomb”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “firebomb”
- Using it to describe a conventional explosive that causes a fire as a side effect (e.g., an artillery shell). The primary purpose of a firebomb is to ignite.
- Confusing it with 'firework' or 'flare'.
- Misspelling as two words ('fire bomb'). It is a closed compound.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A Molotov cocktail is a specific, common type of improvised firebomb. 'Firebomb' is the broader category.
Yes, it's a denominal verb. To 'firebomb' something means to attack it with a firebomb.
It is not common in everyday conversation. It is primarily a lexical item found in news, historical, and security-related contexts.
They are largely synonymous in general use. 'Incendiary bomb' can sound slightly more technical or military, while 'firebomb' often implies an improvised or terrorist weapon.
A bomb designed to cause a fire, typically an improvised incendiary device like a Molotov cocktail.
Firebomb is usually formal/news/technical in register.
Firebomb: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfaɪəbɒm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfaɪərbɑːm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated. Possibly 'play with fire' is a related conceptual idiom.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BOMB that starts a FIRE. The word is a straightforward compound: FIRE + BOMB.
Conceptual Metaphor
VIOLENCE IS FIRE ('They firebombed the building' extends the metaphor of attacking/ destroying with fire).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary intent of a firebomb?