fire

²fire

verb

firedfir·ing

Definition of FIRE

transitive verb

1

a : to set on fire : kindle; also : ignite <fire a rocket engine> 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>

2

a : to drive out or away by or as if by fire b : to dismiss from a position

3

a (1) : to cause to explode : detonate (2) : to propel from or as if from a gun : discharge, launch <fire a rocket> (3) : shoot 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: as a : to process by applying heat <fire pottery> b : to feed or serve the fire of <fire a boiler>

intransitive verb

1

a : to take fire : kindle, ignite 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>

2

a : to become irritated or angry —often used with up b : to become filled with excitement or enthusiasm

3

a : 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>

— fire·able \ˈfī(-ə)r-ə-bəl, ˈfī-rə-\ adjective

— fir·er noun

Examples of FIRE

1. She fired the arrow at the target.
2. He fired several shots at the police.
3. He fired at the police.
4. The gun failed to fire.
5. The soldiers fired on the enemy.
6. The shortstop fired the ball to first base.
7. The angry mob fired rocks at him.
8. The boxer fired a left jab at his opponent's chin.
9. The story fired his imagination.
10. She had to fire several workers.

First Known Use of FIRE

13th century

Related to FIRE

Synonyms: blast, discharge, shoot, loose, squeeze off

Antonyms: damp, dampen, deaden, dull, kill

Related Words: launch, project; blaze (at), snipe (at); cast, catapult, fling, heave, hurl, hurtle, lob, pelt, pitch, sling, throw, toss

Near Antonyms: burn out, debilitate, do in, drain, enervate, enfeeble, exhaust, fag, fatigue, harass, kayo, knock out, sap, tucker (out), undermine, wash out, weaken, wear, wear out, weary; check, curb, inhibit, jade, quell, quench, repress, restrain, slow, still, stunt, suppress; daunt, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dispirit

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with FIRE

briar, choir, gyre, hire, ire, mire, prior, sire, spire, squire, tier, tire, wire