open fire

phrase

: to begin shooting

A man opened fire in a crowded mall.

—often + on

The soldiers opened fire on enemy troops.

Examples of open fire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Finally, as Qiu and another tried opening the driver’s door, McAlpin allegedly reached for a pistol, prompting the officers to open fire on him. — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 17 July 2026

The Department of Homeland Security says Salgado Araujo tried to use his van as a weapon, prompting an agent to open fire. — Alina Hartounian, NPR, 16 July 2026

The agency maintains Salgado Araujo rammed an ICE vehicle, prompting an officer to open fire in self-defense. — ABC News, 13 July 2026

People pull out the barbecue, open fire hydrants, throw block parties. — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 9 July 2026

Rhymes for open fire

• acquire
• attire
• bonfire
• campfire
• ceasefire
• conspire
• desire
• enquire
• entire
• greenbrier
• gunfire
• homebuyer