n.
Function: verb
Inflected Form: fired ; fir · ing
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1 a : to set on fire : KINDLE also : IGNITE < fire a rocket engine> b (1) : to give life or spirit to : INSPIRE <the description fired his imagination> (2) : to fill with passion or enthusiasm ― often used with up c : to light up as if by fire d : to cause to start operating ― usually used with up < fired up the engine>
2 a : to drive out or away by or as if by fire b : to dismiss from a position
3 a (1) : to cause to explode : DETONATE (2) : to propel from or as if from a gun : DISCHARGE , LAUNCH < fire a rocket> (3) : SHOOT 1B < fire a gun> (4) : to score (a number) in a game or contest b : to throw with speed or force < fired the ball to first base> < fire a left jab> c : to utter with force and rapidity
4 : to apply fire or fuel to: as a : to process by applying heat < fire pottery> b : to feed or serve the fire of < fire a boiler>
intransitive verb
1 a : to take fire : KINDLE , IGNITE b : to begin operation : START <the engine fired > c : to operate especially as the result of the application of an electrical impulse <the spark plug fire s >
2 a : to become irritated or angry ― often used with up b : to become filled with excitement or enthusiasm
3 a : to discharge a firearm < fire at close range> b : to emit or let fly an object
4 : to tend a fire
5 : to transmit a nerve impulse <the rate at which a neuron fire s >
– fire · able \ ' f ī (- ə )r- ə -b ə l, ' f ī -r ə - \ adjective
– fir · er noun