Fire
/ˈfaɪər/
Definitions
6 meaningsThe rapid oxidation of a material in the exothermic chemical process of combustion, releasing heat and light.
/ˈfaɪər/
Combustion that produces heat and light.
The fire in the fireplace kept the room warm.
💡 Simply: It's like when you light a match or a campfire – that bright, hot thing that gives off heat and light. It's exciting and dangerous!
👶 For kids: When things burn and make heat and light.
More Examples
The firefighters worked to put out the forest fire.
We built a fire to cook our dinner.
How It's Used
"The fire provided warmth and light."
"The firefighters battled the blaze."
A destructive burning.
/ˈfaɪər/
The fire destroyed several homes.
💡 Simply: When something gets burned and destroyed.
👶 For kids: When something burns and makes a big mess.
More Examples
The city was devastated by fire.
How It's Used
"The fire caused extensive damage to the building."
To set something on fire or cause it to burn.
/ˈfaɪər/
To ignite or set on fire.
He fired the kindling.
💡 Simply: To make something burn! Like lighting a match to start a campfire.
👶 For kids: To make something burn.
More Examples
They fired the cannon at the enemy ship.
How It's Used
"He fired up the barbecue."
"The soldiers fired their weapons."
To discharge a weapon, such as a gun or cannon.
/ˈfaɪər/
To discharge a weapon.
The soldier fired his rifle.
💡 Simply: To shoot a gun or something like that. Or, like, a strong pass in a game.
👶 For kids: To shoot a gun or something like that.
More Examples
The pitcher fired a fastball.
How It's Used
"The soldiers fired their weapons."
"The quarterback fired a pass downfield."
To dismiss someone from a job.
/ˈfaɪər/
The company fired the employee for misconduct.
💡 Simply: To tell someone they can't work there anymore; they're out of a job.
👶 For kids: To tell someone they can't work at the company anymore.
More Examples
He was fired from his job for being late constantly.
How It's Used
"The company fired several employees due to budget cuts."
To stimulate or excite someone.
/ˈfaɪər/
The coach's speech fired up the team before the game.
💡 Simply: To make someone really excited and energized about something.
👶 For kids: To make someone super excited!
More Examples
The exciting news fired him up to take on the project.
How It's Used
"The motivational speaker really fired up the crowd."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
to play with fire
To do something dangerous or risky.
"He's playing with fire by ignoring the warnings."
on fire
Excited, passionate, or performing exceptionally well.
"The team was on fire last night."
to catch fire
to begin to burn.
"The curtains caught fire after the candle fell over."
under fire
being attacked or criticized.
"The company is under fire for its environmental practices."
From Old English *fȳr*, from Proto-Germanic *fūriz*. Cognate with German *Feuer*, Dutch *vuur*.
Used since Old English times, the meaning has remained largely consistent, though the verb form has expanded in modern usage.