1
as in inferno
a destructive burning
a number of suspicious fires in the neighborhood recently
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2
as in intensity
depth of feeling
had she the fire in her heart that a run for the White House requires?
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3
as in ordeal
a test of faith, patience, or strength
asked to be sent to the front lines, as he was eager to prove himself in the fire of battle
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3
as in to stimulate
to give life, vigor, or spirit to
a school outing to the natural history museum fired his imagination, and he grew up to become an eminent paleontologist
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4
as in to sack
to let go from office, service, or employment
fired the secretary for incompetence
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5
as in to throw
to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm
fired a pass to the running back
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6
as in to burn
to set (something) on fire
lit some kindling before attempting to fire the logs
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as in to provoke
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the dynamic speaker fired up the audience as no one had previously done
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Cite this Entry
“Fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fire. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.
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