\ ˈfī(-ə)r
\
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Definition of fire
(Entry 1 of 4)
1a(1)
: the phenomenon of combustion manifested in light, flame, and heat
(2)
: one of the four elements of the alchemists
air, water, fire, and earth
b(1)
: burning passion : ardor
young lovers with their hearts full of fire
(2)
: liveliness of imagination : inspiration
the force and fire of his oratory
2a
: fuel in a state of combustion (as on a hearth)
warmed his hands at the crackling fire
b
British
: a small gas or electric space heater
3a
: a destructive burning (as of a building)
The shack was destroyed by a fire.
b(1)
: death or torture by fire
He confessed under threat of the fire.
(2)
: severe trial or ordeal
He had proved himself in the fire of battle.
4
: brilliancy, luminosity
the fire of a gem
5a
: the firing of weapons (such as firearms, artillery, or missiles)
The troops were ordered to cease fire. [=stop shooting] They opened fire on [=began shooting at] the enemy.
also
: the bullets, shells, etc., that are discharged
The soldiers endured heavy fire.
— see also friendly fire — compare counterfire
b
: intense verbal attack or criticism
His remarks have provoked heavy fire from his political opponents.
c
: a rapidly delivered series (as of remarks)
on fire
under fire
1
: being consumed by fire : aflame
The house was on fire.
1
: exposed to fire from an enemy's weapons
The soldier showed courage under fire.
2
: under attack
The company has come under fire for its discriminatory hiring policies.
fire
verb
fired;
firing
Definition of fire (Entry 2 of 4)
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
2a
: to drive out or away by or as if by fire
b
: to dismiss from a position
3a(1)
: to cause to explode : detonate
(3)
: shoot sense 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
4
: to apply fire or fuel to: such as
a
: to process by applying heat
fire pottery
b
: to feed or serve the fire of
fire a boiler
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
2a
: to become irritated or angry
—often used with up
b
: to become filled with excitement or enthusiasm
3a
: to discharge a firearm
fire at close range
b
: to emit or let fly an object
4
: to tend a fire
5
: to transmit a nerve impulse
the rate at which a neuron fires