fire

the event of something burning (often destructive); "they lost everything in the fire"

the act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemy; "hold your fire until you can see the whites of their eyes"; "they retreated in the face of withering enemy fire"

the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke; "fire was one of our ancestors' first discoveries"

a fireplace in which a relatively small fire is burning; "they sat by the fire and talked"

once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles)

feelings of great warmth and intensity; "he spoke with great ardor"

fuel that is burning and is used as a means for cooking; "put the kettle on the fire"; "barbecue over an open fire"

a severe trial; "he went through fire and damnation"

intense adverse criticism; "Clinton directed his fire at the Republican Party"; "the government has come under attack"; "don't give me any flak"

start firing a weapon

cause to go off; "fire a gun"; "fire a bullet"

bake in a kiln so as to harden; "fire pottery"

terminate the employment of; discharge from an office or position; "The boss fired his secretary today"; "The company terminated 25% of its workers"

go off or discharge; "The gun fired"

call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses); "arouse pity"; "raise a smile"; "evoke sympathy"

destroy by fire; "They burned the house and his diaries"