noun
the event of something burning (often destructive)
Examples
- they lost everything in the fire
noun
the act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemy
Synonyms
Examples
- hold your fire until you can see the whites of their eyes
- they retreated in the face of withering enemy fire
noun
the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke
Synonyms
Examples
- fire was one of our ancestors' first discoveries
noun
a fireplace in which a relatively small fire is burning
Examples
- they sat by the fire and talked
noun
once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles)
noun
feelings of great warmth and intensity
Synonyms
Examples
- he spoke with great ardor
noun
fuel that is burning and is used as a means for cooking
Examples
- put the kettle on the fire
- barbecue over an open fire
noun
a severe trial
Examples
- he went through fire and damnation
noun
intense adverse criticism
Synonyms
Examples
- Clinton directed his fire at the Republican Party
- the government has come under attack
- don't give me any flak
verb
start firing a weapon
Synonyms
open fire
verb
cause to go off
Synonyms
Examples
- fire a gun
- fire a bullet
verb
bake in a kiln so as to harden
Examples
- fire pottery
verb
terminate the employment of
Synonyms
Examples
- discharge from an office or position
- The boss fired his secretary today
- The company terminated 25% of its workers
verb
go off or discharge
Synonyms
Examples
- The gun fired
verb
drive out or away by or as if by fire
Examples
- The soldiers were fired
- Surrender fires the cold skepticism
verb
call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
Synonyms
Examples
- arouse pity
- raise a smile
- evoke sympathy
verb
destroy by fire
Synonyms
Examples
- They burned the house and his diaries
verb
provide with fuel
Synonyms
Examples
- Oil fires the furnace
verb
generate an electrical impulse
Examples
- the neurons fired fast
verb
become ignited
Synonyms
flame up
Examples
- The furnace wouldn't fire
verb
start or maintain a fire in
Synonyms
Examples
- fire the furnace