Fire Definition
fire
noun
- the event of something burning (often destructive); "they lost everything in the fire"
- the act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemy; "hold your fire until you can see the whites of their eyes"; "they retreated in the face of withering enemy fire"
- the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke; "fire was one of our ancestors' first discoveries"
- a fireplace in which a relatively small fire is burning; "they sat by the fire and talked"
- once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles)
- feelings of great warmth and intensity; "he spoke with great ardor"
- fuel that is burning and is used as a means for cooking; "put the kettle on the fire"; "barbecue over an open fire"
- a severe trial; "he went through fire and damnation"
- intense adverse criticism; "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
- cause to go off; "fire a gun"; "fire a bullet"
- bake in a kiln so as to harden; "fire pottery"
- terminate the employment of; discharge from an office or position; "The boss fired his secretary today"; "The company terminated 25% of its workers"
- go off or discharge; "The gun fired"
- drive out or away by or as if by fire; "The soldiers were fired"; "Surrender fires the cold skepticism"
- call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses); "arouse pity"; "raise a smile"; "evoke sympathy"
- destroy by fire; "They burned the house and his diaries"
- provide with fuel; "Oil fires the furnace"
"Fire" in song lyrics
See how fire is used in real songs:
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"He had a frown on his face, he was hotter than fire"
2 Live Crew — Check it Out Y'all -
"Cause they call me Kid Ice, the ladies' fire"
2 Live Crew — 2 Live is What We Are... (Word) -
"That was the spark that lit the fire"
The 49ers — Mesmerized
Words that rhyme with fire
Usage tips for "fire"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "fire" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for fire to find words that pair well.