Definition of fire
1 a (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
2 a
: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
3 a
: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
5 a
:the firing of weapons (such as firearms, artillery, or missiles)
- The troops endured heavy fire.
b
:intense verbal attack or criticism
- His controversial assertions have provoked heavy fire from those taking offense.
c
:a rapidly delivered series (as of remarks)
—
on fire
—
under 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.
