■ noun
1》 the state of burning, in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air and give out bright light, heat, and smoke.
↘a destructive burning.
↘one of the four elements in ancient and medieval philosophy and in astrology.
2》 a collection of fuel burnt in a hearth or stove for heating or cooking.
↘ chiefly Brit. (also electric ~ or gas ~ ) a domestic heating appliance that uses electricity or gas as fuel.
3》 a burning sensation.
↘passionate emotion or enthusiasm.
4》 the firing of guns.
↘strong criticism.
■ verb
1》 propel (a bullet or projectile) from a gun or other weapon.
↘discharge (a gun or other weapon).
↘direct a rapid succession of (questions or statements) towards someone.
2》 informal dismiss from a job.
3》 supply (a furnace, power station, etc.) with fuel.
↘(of an internal-combustion engine) undergo ignition of its fuel.
↘set ~ to.
4》 stimulate (the imagination or an emotion).
↘fill with enthusiasm: he was ~d up for the Cup Final.
5》 bake or dry (pottery, bricks, etc.) in a kiln.
Phrases
catch ~ begin to burn.
~ and brimstone the supposed torments of hell.
~ away informal go ahead.
firing on all ( four ) cylinders functioning at a peak level.
go through ~ ( and water ) face any peril.
on ~
1》 burning.
2》 very excited.
set ~ to (or set on ~ ) cause to burn.
set the world on ~ do something remarkable or sensational.
take ~ start to burn.
under ~
1》 being shot at.
2》 being severely criticized.
Derivatives
~less adjective
~r noun
firing noun
Origin
OE fȳr (n.), fȳrian 'supply with material for a ~', of W. Gmc origin.