FIRES - Definition & Meaning for Kids

Meaning 1

Part of speech: Noun

the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke

Example: fire was one of our ancestors' first discoveries

Meaning 2

Part of speech: Noun

fuel that is burning and is used as a means for cooking

Example: put the kettle on the fire; barbecue over an open fire

Meaning 3

Part of speech: Noun

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

Meaning 4

Part of speech: Noun

a fireplace in which a relatively small fire is burning

Example: they sat by the fire and talked

Meaning 5

Part of speech: Noun

intense adverse criticism

Example: Clinton directed his fire at the Republican Party; the government has come under attack; don't give me any flak

Meaning 6

Part of speech: Noun

the event of something burning (often destructive)

Example: they lost everything in the fire

Meaning 7

Part of speech: Noun

a severe trial

Example: he went through fire and damnation

Meaning 8

Part of speech: Noun

feelings of great warmth and intensity

Example: he spoke with great ardor

Meaning 9

Part of speech: Noun

the act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemy

Example: hold your fire until you can see the whites of their eyes; they retreated in the face of withering enemy fire

Meaning 10

Part of speech: Verb

cause to go off

Example: fire a gun; fire a bullet

Meaning 11

Part of speech: Verb

go off or discharge

Example: The gun fired

Meaning 12

Part of speech: Verb

start firing a weapon

Meaning 13

Part of speech: Verb

generate an electrical impulse

Example: the neurons fired fast

Meaning 14

Part of speech: Verb

call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)

Example: arouse pity; raise a smile; evoke sympathy

Meaning 15

Part of speech: Verb

drive out or away by or as if by fire

Example: The soldiers were fired; Surrender fires the cold skepticism

Meaning 16

Part of speech: Verb

provide with fuel

Example: Oil fires the furnace

Meaning 17

Part of speech: Verb

terminate the employment of

Example: discharge from an office or position; The boss fired his secretary today; The company terminated 25% of its workers

Meaning 18

Part of speech: Verb

bake in a kiln so as to harden

Example: fire pottery

Meaning 19

Part of speech: Verb

destroy by fire

Example: They burned the house and his diaries

Meaning 20

Part of speech: Verb

start or maintain a fire in

Example: fire the furnace

Meaning 21

Part of speech: Verb

become ignited

Example: The furnace wouldn't fire