1. a. A rapid, persistent chemical change that releases heat and light and is accompanied by flame, especially the exothermic oxidation of a combustible substance. b. Burning fuel or other material: a cooking fire; a forest fire.

2. a. Burning intensity of feeling; ardor. See synonyms at passion. b. Enthusiasm.

3. Luminosity or brilliance, as of a cut and polished gemstone.

4. Liveliness and vivacity of imagination; brilliance.

5. A severe test; a trial or torment.

6. A fever or bodily inflammation.

7. a. The discharge of firearms or artillery: heard the fire of cannon. b. The launching of a missile, rocket, or similar ballistic body. c. Discharged bullets or other projectiles: subjected enemy positions to heavy mortar fire; struck by rifle fire.

8. Intense, repeated attack or criticism: answered the fire from her political critics.

1. a. To cause to burn; ignite. b. To light (something) up as if by fire: The morning sun fired the tops of the trees.

2. a. To add fuel to (something burning). b. To maintain or fuel a fire in.

3. a. To bake in a kiln: fire pottery. b. To dry by heating.

4. To arouse the emotions of; make enthusiastic or ardent: warriors who were fired by patriotism.

5. a. To discharge (a firearm, for example). b. To detonate (an explosive).

6. a. To propel (a projectile); launch (a missile). b. Informal. To throw with force and speed; hurl: fire a ball at a batter. c. To utter or direct with insistence: fired questions at the senator.

7. Games. To score (a number) in a game or contest.

8. Informal. To discharge from a position; dismiss. See synonyms at dismiss.

1. To become ignited; flame up.

2. a. To become excited or ardent. b. To become angry or annoyed.

3. To tend a fire.

4. a. To shoot a weapon: aimed and fired at the target. b. To detonate an explosive. c. To ignite fuel, as in an engine.

5. Informal. To project or hurl a missile: The pitcher wound up and fired.

6. Physiology. To generate an electrical impulse. Used of a neuron.

7. To become yellowed or brown before reaching maturity, as grain.

1. To utter or ask rapidly.

2. To write and send (a letter, for example) in haste.

1. Ignited; ablaze.

2. Filled with enthusiasm or excitement.

1. light a fire under, build a fire under .

2. To urge or goad to action.

1. Exposed or subjected to enemy attack.

2. Exposed or subjected to critical attack or censure: an official who was under fire for mismanagement.