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

The tactic saw the starship jump to warp speed toward its enemy, suddenly stop at close range, and then open fire before light or sensor signals from its former position arrived. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026

Security footage provided by San Diego police shows one of the youths suddenly pull out a gun and open fire on Wilson, who quickly flees, running through a breezeway that leads outside of the station and onto Kettner. — Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2026

Police said the man didn't comply with commands and aimed the gun at the two responding officers, leading them to open fire and hit him. — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

Buccan highlights Vincentian flavors and cooking traditions, including dishes prepared over an open fire. — Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for open fire

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