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¹fire

noun, often attributive \ˈfī(-ə)r\

: the light and heat and especially the flame produced by burning

: an occurrence in which something burns : the destruction of something (such as a building or a forest) by fire

: a controlled occurrence of fire created by burning something (such as wood or gas) in a special area (such as in a fireplace or stove)

Full Definition of FIRE

a (1) : the phenomenon of combustion manifested in light, flame, and heat (2) : one of the four elements of the alchemists

b (1) : burning passion : ardor (2) : liveliness of imagination : inspiration

a : fuel in a state of combustion (as on a hearth)

b British : a small gas or electric space heater

a : a destructive burning (as of a building)

b (1) : death or torture by fire (2) : severe trial or ordeal

: brilliancy, luminosity <the fire of a gem>

a : the firing of weapons (as firearms, artillery, or missiles)

b : intense verbal attack or criticism

c : a rapidly delivered series (as of remarks)

— fire·less \-ləs\ adjective

— on fire

: being consumed by fire : aflame

: eager, burning

— under fire

: exposed to fire from an enemy's weapons

: under attack

See fire defined for English-language learners

See fire defined for kids

Origin of FIRE

Middle English, from Old English fȳr; akin to Old High German fiur fire, Greek pyr

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to FIRE

Synonyms: conflagration, holocaust, inferno

Antonyms: impassiveness, impassivity, insensibility, insensibleness, insensitiveness, insensitivity

²fire

verb

: to shoot a weapon

: to throw (something) with speed and force

: to give life or energy to (something or someone)

firedfir·ing

Full Definition of FIRE

transitive verb

a : to set on fire : kindle; also : ignite <fire a rocket engine>

b (1) : to give life or spirit to : inspire <the description fired his imagination> (2) : to fill with passion or enthusiasm —often used with up

c : to light up as if by fire

d : to cause to start operating —usually used with up <fired up the engine>

a : to drive out or away by or as if by fire

b : to dismiss from a position

a (1) : to cause to explode : detonate (2) : to propel from or as if from a gun : discharge, launch <fire a rocket> (3) : shoot 1b <fire a gun> (4) : to score (a number) in a game or contest

b : to throw with speed or force <fired the ball to first base> <fire a left jab>

c : to utter with force and rapidity

: to apply fire or fuel to: as

a : to process by applying heat <fire pottery>

b : to feed or serve the fire of <fire a boiler>

intransitive verb

a : to take fire : kindle, ignite

b : to begin operation : start <the engine fired>

c : to operate especially as the result of the application of an electrical impulse <the spark plug fires>

a : to become irritated or angry —often used with up

b : to become filled with excitement or enthusiasm

a : to discharge a firearm <fire at close range>