A rapid, persistent chemical change that releases heat and light and is accompanied by flame, especially the exothermic oxidation of a combustible substance.
Burning fuel or other material: a cooking fire; a forest fire.
Burning intensity of feeling; ardor. See Synonyms at passion.
Enthusiasm.
Luminosity or brilliance, as of a cut and polished gemstone.
Liveliness and vivacity of imagination; brilliance.
A severe test; a trial or torment.
A fever or bodily inflammation.
The discharge of firearms or artillery: heard the fire of cannon.
The launching of a missile, rocket, or similar ballistic body.
Discharged bullets or other projectiles: subjected enemy positions to heavy mortar fire; struck by rifle fire.
Intense, repeated attack or criticism: answered the fire from her political critics.
To cause to burn; ignite.
To light (something) up as if by fire: The morning sun fired the tops of the trees.
To add fuel to (something burning).
To maintain or fuel a fire in.
To start (a fuel-burning engine). Often used with up.
To bake in a kiln: fire pottery.
To dry by heating.
To arouse the emotions of; make enthusiastic or ardent. Often used with up: warriors who were fired by patriotism.
To discharge (a firearm, for example).
To detonate (an explosive).
To propel (a projectile); launch (a missile).
Informal To throw with force and speed; hurl: fire a ball at a batter.
To utter or direct with insistence: fired questions at the senator.