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
verbfired; 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 upfired 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
FIRE
abbreviationDefinition of FIRE (Entry 3 of 4)
finance, insurance, and real estate
Fire
biographical nameDefinition of Fire (Entry 4 of 4)
Andrew Zachary 1959– American geneticist
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The first known use of fire was before the 12th century
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