fire
noun
verb (used with object), fired, fir·ing.
verb (used without object), fired, fir·ing.
Verb Phrases
- to discharge (as weapons, ammunition, etc.): Police fired off canisters of tear gas.
- to write and send hurriedly: She fired off an angry letter to her congressman.
Idioms for fire
- Also catch on fire. to become ignited; burn: The sofa caught fire from a lighted cigarette.
- to create enthusiasm: His new book did not catch fire among his followers.
- to be delayed in exploding, or fail to explode.
- to be undecided, postponed, or delayed: The new housing project is hanging fire because of concerted opposition.
- to fail to explode or discharge, as a firearm.
- to fail to produce the desired effect; be unsuccessful: He repeated the joke, but it missed fire the second time.
- ignited; burning; afire.
- eager; ardent; zealous: They were on fire to prove themselves in competition.
- to cause to burn; ignite.
- to excite; arouse; inflame: The painting set fire to the composer's imagination.
- to become ignited; burn.
- to become inspired with enthusiasm or zeal: Everyone who heard him speak immediately took fire.
- under attack, especially by military forces.
- under censure or criticism: The school administration is under fire for its policies.
Origin of fire
OTHER WORDS FROM fire
fir·er, noun coun·ter·fire, noun, verb (used without object), coun·ter·fired, coun·ter·fir·ing. re·fire, verb, re·fired, re·fir·ing. un·fired, adjectiveWords nearby fire
Example sentences from the Web for fired
The NOPD fired Knight in 1973 for stealing lumber from a construction site as an off-duty cop.
In 1951, Harry Truman fired Gen. Douglas MacArthur during the Korean War.
But others say a still-unidentified man likely fired the round that caused a lethal head wound.
Exclusive: Bin Laden ‘Shooter’ Under Investigation for Leaking Secrets |Shane Harris |December 23, 2014 |DAILY BEASTBut LGBT people can still be fired or denied housing in 29 states.
State of LGBT Rights: Married on Sunday, but Fired on Monday |Gene Robinson |December 14, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Cannons were fired in the heart of the tiny principality, which is no bigger than Central Park, to celebrate the news.
Princess Charlene Gives Birth To Twins Gabriella and Jacques |Tom Sykes |December 10, 2014 |DAILY BEASTFired with ambition by these successes, he pressed boldly onward to reduce the cities and lands of the east.
The History of Antiquity, Vol. I (of VI) |Max DunckerThe magazines were kept open, and every gun, big and little, stood ready to be fired at the word of command.
Fighting in Cuban Waters |Edward StratemeyerBurning indignation at first fired his soul, and he resolved to punish Quintal.
The Lonely Island |R.M. BallantyneFancy that he fired in the air, and you've fought a duel, Giles.'
Oliver Twist, Illustrated |Charles DickensRed Blaze, quick as lightning, fired at the flash of the rifle.
The Guns of Shiloh |Joseph A. Altsheler
British Dictionary definitions for fired
noun
- a mass of burning coal, wood, etc, used esp in a hearth to heat a room
- (in combination)firewood; firelighter
- the act of discharging weapons, artillery, etc
- the shells, etc, fired
- to delay firing
- to delay or be delayed
- in a state of ignition
- ardent or eager
- informal playing or performing at the height of one's abilities
- to ignite
- to arouse or excite
verb
sentence substitute
Derived forms of fire
fireable, adjective fireless, adjective firer, nounWord Origin for fire
Medical definitions for fired
v.
Idioms and Phrases with fired
In addition to the idioms beginning with fire
- fire away
- fire off
- fire on all cylinders
- fire up
also see:
- add fuel to the fire
- ball of fire
- baptism of fire
- catch fire
- caught in the cross-fire
- draw fire
- fat is in the fire
- fight fire with fire
- get on (like a house afire)
- hang fire
- hold one's fire
- hold someone's feet to the fire
- irons in the fire
- light a fire under
- line of fire
- miss fire
- no smoke without fire
- on fire
- open fire
- out of the frying pan into the fire
- play with fire
- set on fire
- set the world on fire
- spread like wildfire
- trial by fire
- under fire
- where's the fire
Also see underfiring.