firebomb
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //ˈfaɪərbɒm//
KK: /ˈfaɪərbɑm/
intransitive verb
Definition
To attack a target by dropping or launching a bomb that causes fire.
Example
The military decided to firebomb the enemy's supply depot.
Tense Forms
Past: firebombed
Past Participle: firebombed
Conversation
Did you hear about the incident last night?
Yeah, they said someone tried to firebomb the old warehouse.
That's so dangerous; I can't believe people resort to that.
I know, right? It's really concerning for the neighborhood.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bomb
attack
assault
Antonyms
defend
protect
shelter
noun
Definition
A type of bomb designed to cause fire or destruction by igniting flammable materials.
Example
The military used a firebomb to target enemy installations during the conflict.
Conversation
Did you hear about that old movie where they used a firebomb in a big scene?
Yeah, I remember that! It was so dramatic.
I can't believe they actually used a real firebomb for the effects.
transitive verb
Definition
To attack a place or target by dropping or launching incendiary bombs that cause fire and destruction.
Example
The military decided to firebomb the enemy's supply depot to disrupt their operations.
Tense Forms
Past: firebombed
Past Participle: firebombed
Conversation
Did you hear about that protest last night?
Yeah, I heard some people tried to firebomb a building.
That's so extreme! I can't believe it got that out of hand.
Root Explanation
Firebomb → It is formed from "fire" (from Old English "fyr", meaning flame or burning) and "bomb" (from Latin "bombus", meaning a buzzing or booming sound, which evolved to mean an explosive device). The word "firebomb" refers to a bomb designed to start fires upon explosion.
Memory Tip
Think of 'fire' as the element that burns and 'bomb' as an explosive device. Together, they create a device that causes fire upon explosion.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.