fire
noun
Definitions of fire noun
combustion
- A2CountableUncountable
the state of burning, producing flames, heat, and light, often with smoke
Most animals exhibit a natural fear of fire.
The blaze was ignited by children playing with matches.
A group of 40 individuals collaborated to extinguish the large fire.
heat
- B1Countable
a small, controlled fire used for warmth or cooking
It is quite cold in here, should I start a fire?
We started a campfire on the shoreline.
We set up our tents and kindled a small fire.
heating
- Countable
a heating device, either gas or electric, used to warm a room
a gas/electric space heater
Turn on the heater if you are feeling cold.
shooting
- C2Uncountable
the act of shooting guns or other weapons
The police began to shoot at the protesters.
The order to cease shooting has been issued.
The city was bombarded by artillery fire from anti-government forces last night.
emotion
- Uncountable
a feeling of great enthusiasm or excitement
Her passionate delivery during the speech ignited inspiration in everyone.
Phrases of fire noun
- on fire
Describes a state in which something is burning when it is not supposed to be; in flames.
• The car was on fire after the accident.
verb
Definitions of fire verb
shoot
- B2TransitiveIntransitive
to discharge a weapon, such as a gun, launching bullets, arrows, or missiles
He discharged his firearm into the air.
Someone initiated gunfire directed at our location.
Without any prior warning, he began to shoot into the assembled crowd.
question
- TransitiveIntransitive
to rapidly direct a series of questions or criticisms at someone
The reporters were rapidly firing questions at me for a full two hours.
“I’d like to ask you a few questions regarding your childhood.” “Fire away!”
dismiss
- B2Transitive
to dismiss someone from their job, typically for poor performance or misconduct
She was immediately fired after being caught stealing from her employer.
He was fired from his $165,000 job due to his substandard performance.
She was recently fired, losing her position as the editor at this newspaper.
inspire
- C2Transitive
to inspire a strong emotion in someone
I had an exceptional English teacher who ignited my passion for literature at a very young age.
The tales of treasures and lost cities ignited their imagination.
harden
- Transitive
to heat objects made of clay in a kiln so that they become hard
Idioms
- play with fire
To behave in a way that is very risky and dangerous; to take unnecessary chances.
• Trying to hack into the bank's system without authorization is like playing with fire.
- fire and brimstone
Refers to the threat of eternal punishment in hell after death.
• The preacher's sermon was filled with fire and brimstone, warning of eternal damnation.
- go through fire and water
To undergo significant hardships and dangers in pursuit of a goal.
• He was willing to go through fire and water to save his company.
- in the firing line
in a position where one is likely to receive criticism, be attacked, or face dismissal.
• After the project failed, the manager was in the firing line.
- come under fire
To be subjected to strong criticism or censure.
• The company's CEO came under fire for his financial decisions.
- set fire to something/someone
To cause something or someone to begin burning; to ignite.
• The rioters set fire to buildings throughout the city.
- fire in your belly
A strong determination and passion to achieve success.
• The young entrepreneur has a fire in his belly to change the industry.
- hang/hold fire
To postpone making a decision or taking action.
• It might be best to hang fire until we fully understand the situation.
- put out fires
To focus on resolving urgent issues as they arise rather than working proactively or strategically.
• As a project manager, he spends most of his time putting out fires rather than focusing on long-term project planning.
- set something/someone on fire
To cause something or someone to begin burning.
• He tried to set the pile of wood on fire with a lighter, but it didn't work.
- be firing on all cylinders
To perform or operate with maximum efficiency and power.
• After months of adjustments and preparation, the company is now firing on all cylinders, ready to launch their new product.
Phrasal Verbs of fire
- fire something off
to discharge a firearm
• During the hunt, he fired off a few shots without hesitation.
- fire someone up
to cause an individual to feel enthusiastic or irritated
• His speech really fired us up.
- fire something up
to initiate the operation of a machine or launch a computer program
• Make sure to fire up all necessary applications before starting work.