fire

¹fire

noun, often attributive \ˈfī(-ə)r\

Definition of FIRE

1

a (1) : the phenomenon of combustion manifested in light, flame, and heat (2) : one of the four elements of the alchemists b (1) : burning passion : ardor (2) : liveliness of imagination : inspiration

2

a : fuel in a state of combustion (as on a hearth) b British : a small gas or electric space heater

3

a : a destructive burning (as of a building) b (1) : death or torture by fire (2) : severe trial or ordeal

4

: brilliancy, luminosity <the fire of a gem>

5

a : the firing of weapons (as firearms, artillery, or missiles) b : intense verbal attack or criticism c : a rapidly delivered series (as of remarks)

— fire·less \-ləs\ adjective

— on fire

1

: being consumed by fire : aflame

2

: eager, burning

— under fire

1

: exposed to fire from an enemy's weapons

2

: under attack

Examples of FIRE

1. Stay away from the fire.
2. The shack was destroyed by a fire.
3. Two people died in that terrible fire.
4. How did the fire start?
5. We warmed our hands over the fire.
6. She built a fire in the fireplace.
7. The fire went out and he had to light it again.

Origin of FIRE

Middle English, from Old English fȳr; akin to Old High German fiur fire, Greek pyr

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to FIRE

Synonyms: conflagration, holocaust, inferno

Antonyms: impassiveness, impassivity, insensibility, insensibleness, insensitiveness, insensitivity

Related Words: blaze, flare-up; backfire, bonfire, brush fire, campfire, forest fire, wildfire; arson

Near Antonyms: aloofness, calmness, collectedness, composure, detachedness, dryness, phlegm, reserve, reservedness, reticence, taciturnity; apathy, indifference, stoicism, stoniness, unconcern; stiffness, woodenness; chilliness, coldness, coolness, frigidity, frigidness

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide