Fire — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb abbreviation /ˈfī(-ə)r/

Meaning & Definition of Fire

Fire (noun)

  1. the phenomenon of combustion manifested in light, flame, and heat
  2. one of the four elements of the alchemists
  3. burning passion, ardor

Fire (verb)

  1. to set on fire, kindle; also, ignite
  2. to give life or spirit to, inspire
  3. to fill with passion or enthusiasm —often used with up

Fire (abbreviation)

  1. finance, insurance, and real estate

Fire (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a destructive burning

    "a number of suspicious fires in the neighborhood recently"

  2. depth of feeling

    "had she the fire in her heart that a run for the White House requires?"

  3. a test of faith, patience, or strength

    "asked to be sent to the front lines, as he was eager to prove himself in the fire of battle"

Fire (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to cause (a projectile) to be driven forward with force

    "police officers firing rubber bullets"

  2. to cause a weapon to release a missile with great force

    "soldiers fired at the enemy in panic-stricken disorder"

    similar: blast, discharge, shoot
  3. to give life, vigor, or spirit to

    "a school outing to the natural history museum fired his imagination, and he grew up to become an eminent paleontologist"

    opposite: damp, dampen, deaden, dull, kill
  4. to let go from office, service, or employment

    "fired the secretary for incompetence"

  5. to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm

    "fired a pass to the running back"

  6. to set (something) on fire

    "lit some kindling before attempting to fire the logs"

Related Entry: Fire (up) (verb)

Fire (up) is a different word from Fire. The synonyms below are for fire (up), not for fire.

  1. to rouse to strong feeling or action

    "the dynamic speaker fired up the audience as no one had previously done"

Related Entry: Fire-breather (noun)

Fire-breather is a different word from Fire. The synonyms below are for fire-breather, not for fire.

  1. an aggressive and fiercely determined person

    "the only hope for turning around that failing company would be a CEO who's a real fire-breather"

    opposite: milquetoast

Related Entry: Fire-eater (noun)

Fire-eater is a different word from Fire. The synonyms below are for fire-eater, not for fire.

  1. an aggressive and fiercely determined person

    "if you want to make it in Hollywood, you'll need a fire-eater for an agent"

    opposite: milquetoast

Related Entry: Fire (at) (verb)

Fire (at) is a different word from Fire. The synonyms below are for fire (at), not for fire.

  1. as in blast (at)

Related Entry: Fire and brimstone (noun)

Fire and brimstone is a different word from Fire. The synonyms below are for fire and brimstone, not for fire.

  1. as in hellfire

Related Entry: Fire and brimstones (noun)

Fire and brimstones is a different word from Fire. The synonyms below are for fire and brimstones, not for fire.

  1. as in hellfires

Related Entry: Fire hydrant (noun)

Fire hydrant is a different word from Fire. The synonyms below are for fire hydrant, not for fire.

  1. as in hydrant, fireplug

Related Entry: Fire hydrants (noun)

Fire hydrants is a different word from Fire. The synonyms below are for fire hydrants, not for fire.

  1. as in hydrants, fireplugs

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Fire

The most common words with a similar meaning to Fire:

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Fire

Words with the opposite meaning of Fire:

Near Antonyms of Fire

Word Forms of Fire

Inflections: fires, fired, firing

Derived words: fireless (adjective), fireable (adjective), firer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Fire

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

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Fire

Words & Phrases Containing Fire

Frequently Asked Questions about Fire

What does "Fire" mean?

"Fire" means the phenomenon of combustion manifested in light, flame, and heat. As an a noun, a verb and an abbreviation, it is defined as: the phenomenon of combustion manifested in light, flame, and heat. It has 9 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Fire"?

Other words for "Fire" include conflagration, holocaust, inferno, ardency, ardor, emotion, enthusiasm and fervency. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Fire" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Fire"?

There are 271 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Fire". Common alternatives include conflagration, holocaust, inferno, ardency, ardor, emotion, enthusiasm, fervency, fervidness and fervor.

What is the opposite of "Fire"?

Antonyms of "Fire" include impassiveness, impassivity, insensibility, insensibleness, insensitiveness, insensitivity, damp and dampen. Near antonyms include aloofness, calmness, collectedness and composure.

How do you use "Fire" in a sentence?

Examples of "Fire" in a sentence: "a number of suspicious fires in the neighborhood recently"; "had she the fire in her heart that a run for the White House requires?"; "asked to be sent to the front lines, as he was eager to prove himself in the fire of battle".

Is "Fire" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Fire" can be used as a noun, a verb and an abbreviation, depending on the context.

Is "Fire" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Fire" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Fire"?

"Fire" is pronounced /ˈfī(-ə)r/.