I. noun
1.
a destructive burning
the house was destroyed by fire
Synonyms: conflagration, holocaust, inferno
Related Word: blaze, flame, flare, glare; burning, charring, scorching, searing
Idioms: sea of flames, sheet of fire
2.
Synonyms: passion 6, ardor, calenture, enthusiasm, fervor, hurrah, zeal
Related Word: animation, exhilaration, liveliness; dash, drive, energy, ginger, gusto, heartiness, pep, punch, snap, spirit, starch, verve, vigor, vim, zest, zing, zip
Contrasted words: languor, lassitude, lethargy, listlessness, stupor, torpidity, torpor; apathy, impassivity, phlegm
II. verb
1.
Synonyms: light 1, enkindle, ignite, inflame, kindle
Idioms: set fire to, set on fire
Contrasted words: extinguish, quench, smother
2.
to stimulate (as mental powers) to higher or more intense activity
a painting that fired the viewer's imagination
Synonyms: animate, exalt, inform, inspire; compare provoke 4
Related Word: arouse, enliven, rouse, stir; electrify, excite; heighten, intensify; enthuse, thrill
Contrasted words: appall, dismay; alarm, frighten, terrify
Antonyms: daunt
3.
Synonyms: dismiss 3, ax, boot (out), bounce, ||can, discharge, drop, kick out, sack, terminate
Related Word: eject, expel, oust
Idioms: give the pink slip, give the sack, strike off the rolls
Contrasted words: engage; appoint, designate, elect, name
Antonyms: hire
4.
Synonyms: shoot 1, discharge, loose
5.
Synonyms: throw 1, ||bung, cast, fling, heave, hurl, launch, pitch, sling, toss
6.
to dry or harden by subjecting to heat
fire bricks
Synonyms: bake, burn, kiln