fire

1. 1

   A (usually self-sustaining) chemical reaction involving the bonding of oxygen with carbon or other fuel, with the production of heat and the presence of flame or smouldering.uncountable

   • But to me it was not despicable; I said, "Oh, you fire, I love you, you dainty pink creature, for you are beautiful—and that is enough!" and was going to gather it to my breast.
2. 2

   An instance of this chemical reaction, especially when intentionally created and maintained in a specific location to a useful end (such as a campfire or a hearth fire).countable

   • We sat about the fire singing songs and telling tales.
3. 3

   The occurrence, often accidental, of fire in a certain place, causing damage and danger.countable

   • There was a fire at the school last night and the whole place burned down.
   • During hot and dry summers many fires in forests are caused by regardlessly discarded cigarette butts.
4. 4

   The aforementioned chemical reaction of burning, considered one of the Classical elements or basic elements of alchemy.uncountable

5. 5

   A heater or stove used in place of a real fire (such as an electric fire).UKcountable

6. 6

   The elements necessary to start a fire.countable

   • The fire was laid and needed to be lit.
7. 7

   The bullets or other projectiles fired from a gun or other ranged weapon.uncountable

   • The fire from the enemy guns kept us from attacking.
8. 8

   A planned bombardment by artillery or similar weapons, or the capability to deliver such.countable

   • We dominated the battlespace with our fires.
9. 9

   A firearm.countableslang

   • I used to work at Five Below but now I keep that fire below
10. 10

    A barrage, volley.countablefiguratively

    • In the district of Erfurt a very heavy sheaf [...] is called the Great Mother, and is carried on the last waggon to the barn, where all hands lift it down amid a fire of jokes.

syn. blaze · flame · conflagration · inferno

1. 1

   Amazing; excellent.not-comparablepredicativeslang

   • This is fire, keep up the amazing work!

1. 1

   To set (something, often a building) on fire.transitive

   • That lamp was the mummy of a woman tied to a stout stake let into the rock, and he had fired her hair.
2. 2

   To heat as with fire, but without setting on fire, as ceramic, metal objects, etc.transitive

   • If you fire the pottery at too high a temperature, it may crack.
   • They fire the wood to make it easier to put a point on the end.
3. 3

   To drive away by setting a fire.transitive

   • Till my bad angel fire my good one out.
4. 4

   To terminate the employment contract of (an employee), especially for cause (such as misconduct, incompetence, or poor performance).transitive

   • The first, obvious choice was hysterical and fantastic Blanche – had there not been her timidity, her fear of being ‘fired’[…].
5. 5

   To terminate a contract with a client; to drop a client.broadlytransitive

   • Don't be hesitant to fire a client - cull out the deadwood. If a client doesn't meet the above criteria, you are better off without him. You don't do your best work for a client you'd rather not have.
6. 6

   To shoot (a gun, rocket/missile, or analogous device).transitive

   • We will fire our guns at the enemy.
   • The jet fired a salvo of rockets at the truck convoy.
7. 7

   To shoot a gun, cannon, or similar weapon.intransitive

   • Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes.
8. 8

   To operate a rocket engine to produce thrust.

   • The RCS thrusters fired several times to stabilize the tumbling spacecraft.
9. 9

   To set off an explosive in a mine.transitive

   • `Now are you both ready?' I said, as people do when they are going to fire a mine.
10. 10

    To shoot; to attempt to score a goal.transitive

    • Andrey Arshavin equalised with a superb volley into the corner before Nicklas Bendtner coolly fired Arsenal in front.

1. 1

   Command to shoot with firearms.