brushfire

/ˈbrʌʃˌfaɪər/
noun
  1. A fire burning in low-growing vegetation such as bushes, shrubs, or dry grass.
    • Dry weather increases the risk of brushfires in rural areas.
    • A small brushfire near the highway was quickly contained by firefighters.
    • The campers were careful not to start a brushfire with their campfire.
  2. A rapidly spreading but limited conflict or crisis, often political or social.
    • The protest started as a brushfire but soon drew national attention.
    • The company's PR team worked to contain the brushfire of negative reviews.
    • What began as a local dispute turned into a brushfire affecting the entire region.
adjective
  1. Relating to or characteristic of a brushfire; small but intense or rapidly spreading.
    • The brushfire season started earlier than usual this year.
    • Brushfire smoke filled the valley for days.
    • They held a brushfire drill to prepare for emergencies.
  2. Describing a conflict or problem that is limited in scope but urgent.
    • The manager dealt with a brushfire crisis in the sales department.
    • The team handled several brushfire issues before lunch.
    • Brushfire wars in the region have drawn international concern.
What does "brushfire" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean