Fire

English Meaning

The evolution of light and heat in the combustion of bodies; combustion; state of ignition.

1. A rapid, persistent chemical change that releases heat and light and is accompanied by flame, especially the exothermic oxidation of a combustible substance.
2. Burning fuel or other material: a cooking fire; a forest fire.
3. Burning intensity of feeling; ardor. See Synonyms at passion.
4. Enthusiasm.
5. Luminosity or brilliance, as of a cut and polished gemstone.
6. Liveliness and vivacity of imagination; brilliance.
7. A severe test; a trial or torment.
8. A fever or bodily inflammation.
9. The discharge of firearms or artillery: heard the fire of cannon.
10. The launching of a missile, rocket, or similar ballistic body.
11. Discharged bullets or other projectiles: subjected enemy positions to heavy mortar fire; struck by rifle fire.
12. Intense, repeated attack or criticism: answered the fire from her political critics.
13. To cause to burn; ignite.
14. To light (something) up as if by fire: The morning sun fired the tops of the trees.
15. To add fuel to (something burning).
16. To maintain or fuel a fire in.
17. To start (a fuel-burning engine). Often used with up.
18. To bake in a kiln: fire pottery.
19. To dry by heating.
20. To arouse the emotions of; make enthusiastic or ardent. Often used with up: warriors who were fired by patriotism.
21. To discharge (a firearm, for example).
22. To detonate (an explosive).
23. To propel (a projectile); launch (a missile).
24. Informal To throw with force and speed; hurl: fire a ball at a batter.
25. To utter or direct with insistence: fired questions at the senator.
26. Games To score (a number) in a game or contest.
27. To discharge from a position; dismiss. See Synonyms at dismiss.
28. To become ignited; flame up.
29. To become excited or ardent.
30. To become angry or annoyed.
31. To tend a fire.
32. To shoot a weapon: aimed and fired at the target.
33. To detonate an explosive.
34. To ignite fuel, as in an engine.
35. Informal To project or hurl a missile: The pitcher wound up and fired.
36. Physiology To generate an electrical impulse. Used of a neuron.
37. To become yellowed or brown before reaching maturity, as grain.
38. fire away Informal To start to talk or ask questions.
39. fire off To utter or ask rapidly.
40. fire off To write and send (a letter, for example) in haste.
41. between two fires Being attacked from two sources or sides simultaneously.
42. on fire Ignited; ablaze.
43. on fire Filled with enthusiasm or excitement.
44. start Slang To urge or goad to action.
45. under fire Exposed or subjected to enemy attack.
46. under fire Exposed or subjected to critical attack or censure: an official who was under fire for mismanagement.