noun

1. the active principle of burning, characterized by the heat and light of combustion
2. fuel burning in a furnace, fireplace, etc.
3. an instance of burning that is undesired, uncontrolled, and destructive a forest fire
4. any preparation that will burn and make a brilliant display Greek fire
5. 1. anything like fire, as in heat or brilliance
   2. firelike brilliance
6. death, torture, or trial by burning
7. extreme suffering or distress that tries one's endurance; tribulation or ordeal
8. a feverish or inflamed condition of the body
9. strong feeling; excitement; ardor a speech full of fire
10. vivid imagination
11. 1. a discharge of firearms or artillery; shooting
    2. anything like this in speed and continuity of action a fire of criticism

Etymology: ME fyr < OE, akin to Ger feuer < IE base *pewōr- > Gr pyra, pyre, Czech pýř, glowing embers

transitive verb fired, firing fir′·ing

1. to apply fire to; make burn; ignite
2. to supply with fuel; tend the fire of to fire a furnace
3. to bake (bricks, pottery, etc.) in a kiln
4. to dry by heat
5. to make bright or illuminate, as if by fire
6. 1. to animate or inspire
   2. to excite, stimulate, or inflame: often with up
7. 1. to shoot or discharge (a gun, bullet, etc.)
   2. to make explode by igniting
8. to hurl or direct with force and suddenness fire a rock, fire questions
9. ☆

   Etymology: pun on discharge

   to dismiss from a position; discharge

Etymology: ME firen < OE fyrian

intransitive verb

1. to start burning; flame
2. to tend a fire
3. to become excited or aroused
4. to react in a specified way to firing in a kiln a glaze that fires bright blue
5. to shoot a firearm
6. to discharge a projectile the gun fired
7. to become yellow prematurely, as corn or grain