fire

noun

1》 the state of burning, in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air and give out bright light, heat, and smoke.

    ↘a destructive burning.

    ↘one of the four elements in ancient and medieval philosophy and in astrology.

2》 a collection of fuel burnt in a hearth or stove for heating or cooking.

    ↘chiefly Brit. (also electric fire or gas fire) a domestic heating appliance that uses electricity or gas as fuel.

3》 a burning sensation.

    ↘passionate emotion or enthusiasm.

4》 the firing of guns.

    ↘strong criticism.

verb

1》 propel (a bullet or projectile) from a gun or other weapon.

    ↘discharge (a gun or other weapon).

    ↘direct a rapid succession of (questions or statements) towards someone.

2》 informal dismiss from a job.

3》 supply (a furnace, power station, etc.) with fuel.

    ↘(of an internal-combustion engine) undergo ignition of its fuel.

    ↘set fire to.

4》 stimulate (the imagination or an emotion).

    ↘fill with enthusiasm: he was fired up for the Cup Final.

5》 bake or dry (pottery, bricks, etc.) in a kiln.

Phrases

catch fire begin to burn.

fire and brimstone the supposed torments of hell.

fire away informal go ahead.

firing on all (four) cylinders functioning at a peak level.

go through fire (and water) face any peril.

on fire

1》 burning.

2》 very excited.

set fire to (or set on fire) cause to burn.

set the world on fire do something remarkable or sensational.

take fire start to burn.

under fire

1》 being shot at.

2》 being severely criticized.

Derivatives

fireless adjective

firer noun

firing noun

Origin

OE fȳr (n.), fȳrian 'supply with material for a fire', of W. Gmc origin.