fire


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fire

 (fīr)
n.
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: destruction by fire.
b. A specific instance of this change that destroys something: a house fire.
c. A burning fuel: a cooking fire.
2. Burning intensity of feeling; ardor or enthusiasm: a musical performance that had fire. See Synonyms at passion.
3. Luminosity or brilliance, as of a cut and polished gemstone.
4. Liveliness and vivacity of imagination; brilliance: the fire of an artistic genius.
5. A severe test; a trial or torment: went through fire to become a leader.
6. A fever or bodily inflammation: tormented by the fire in an infected toe.
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.
v. fired, fir·ing, fires
v.tr.
1.
a. To cause to burn; ignite or set fire to: fired the enemy's encampment.
b. To illuminate or cause to resemble fire, as in color: The morning sun fired the tops of the trees.
2.
a. To start (a fuel-burning engine or a vehicle with such an engine). Often used with up.
b. To start or tend a fire in: fire a furnace.
3.
a. To arouse the emotions of; make enthusiastic or ardent. Often used with up: demonstrators who were fired up by their sense of injustice.
b. To inspire or arouse (an emotion or the imagination).
4. To bake or dry by heating, as in a kiln: fire pottery.
5.
a. To discharge (a firearm, for example).
b. To detonate (an explosive).
6.
a. To propel (a projectile) from a weapon or launch (a missile): fired several rounds before the gun jammed.
b. Informal To throw or propel with force and speed: fire a ball at a batter; fire a puck at the goal.
c. To utter or direct with insistence: fired questions at the senator.
7. Games To score (a number) in a game or contest: The golfer fired a 35 on the front nine.
8. To end the employment or service of; dismiss. See Synonyms at dismiss.
v.intr.
1. To become ignited; flame up: wet kindling that just wouldn't fire.
2.
a. To shoot a weapon: aimed and fired at the target.
b. To detonate an explosive.
c. To ignite fuel; start: The engine fired right away.
3.
a. To send out a projectile; discharge: The cannons fired for hours.
b. To propel or hurl a projectile: The pitcher wound up and fired.
4. Physiology To generate an electrical impulse. Used of a neuron.
5. To become yellowed or brown before reaching maturity, as grain.
Phrasal Verbs:
fire away Informal
To start to talk or ask questions.
fire off
1. To utter or ask rapidly.
2. To write and send (a letter, for example) in haste.
fire up
1. To cause to be ignited or to produce fire: fire up a cigar; fire up the grill.
2. To cause to become excited or emotional: a speech that fired up the crowd.
3. To bring to activity; start: Fire up the stereo!
Idioms:
between two fires
Being attacked from two sources or sides simultaneously.
on fire
1. Ignited; ablaze.
2. Filled with enthusiasm or excitement.
start/light/build a fire under Slang
To urge or goad to action.
under fire
1. Exposed or subjected to enemy attack.
2. Exposed or subjected to critical attack or censure: an official who was under fire for mismanagement.

[Middle English fir, from Old English fȳr; see paəwr̥ in Indo-European roots.]

fire′a·ble adj.
fir′er n.
Word History: Indo-European, the protolanguage from which English and many other languages descend, had pairs of words for some very common things, such as water or fire. Typically, one word in the pair was active, animate, and personified; the other, impersonal and neuter in grammatical gender. In the case of the pair of words for "fire," English has descendants of both, one inherited directly from Germanic, the other borrowed from Latin. Fire goes back to the neuter member of the pair. In Old English "fire" was fȳr, from Germanic *fūr. The Indo-European form behind *fūr is *pūr, whence also the Greek neuter noun pūr, the source of the prefix pyro-. The other Indo-European word for fire appears in ignite, derived from the Latin word for fire, ignis, from Indo-European *egnis. The Russian word for fire, ogon' (stem form ogn-), and the Sanskrit agni-, "fire" (deified as Agni, the god of fire), also come from *egnis, the active, animate, and personified word for fire.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

fire

(faɪə)
n
1. the state of combustion in which inflammable material burns, producing heat, flames, and often smoke
2.
a. a mass of burning coal, wood, etc, used esp in a hearth to heat a room
b. (in combination): firewood; firelighter.
3. a destructive conflagration, as of a forest, building, etc
4. a device for heating a room, etc
5. something resembling a fire in light or brilliance: a diamond's fire.
6. a flash or spark of or as if of fire
7.
a. the act of discharging weapons, artillery, etc
b. the shells, etc, fired
8. a burst or rapid volley: a fire of questions.
9. intense passion; ardour
10. liveliness, as of imagination, thought, etc
11. a burning sensation sometimes produced by drinking strong alcoholic liquor
12. fever and inflammation
13. a severe trial or torment (esp in the phrase go through fire and water)
14. catch fire to ignite
15. draw someone's fire to attract the criticism or censure of someone
16. (Military) to delay firing
17. to delay or be delayed
18. no smoke without fire the evidence strongly suggests something has indeed happened
19. on fire
a. in a state of ignition
b. ardent or eager
c. informal playing or performing at the height of one's abilities
20. (Military) open fire to start firing a gun, artillery, etc
21. play with fire to be involved in something risky
22. set fire to set on fire
a. to ignite
b. to arouse or excite
23. set the world on fire Brit set the Thames on fire Scot set the heather on fire informal to cause a great sensation
24. (Military) under fire being attacked, as by weapons or by harsh criticism
25. (Astrology) (modifier) astrology of or relating to a group of three signs of the zodiac, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Compare earth10, air20, water12
vb
26. (Firearms, Gunnery, Ordnance & Artillery) to discharge (a firearm or projectile) or (of a firearm, etc) to be discharged
27. (Firearms, Gunnery, Ordnance & Artillery) to detonate (an explosive charge or device) or (of such a charge or device) to be detonated
28. (tr) informal to dismiss from employment
29. (Ceramics) (tr) ceramics to bake in a kiln to harden the clay, fix the glaze, etc
30. to kindle or be kindled; ignite
31. (tr) to provide with fuel: oil fires the heating system.
32. (intr) to tend a fire
33. (tr) to subject to heat
34. (tr) to heat slowly so as to dry
35. (tr) to arouse to strong emotion
36. to glow or cause to glow
37. (Mechanical Engineering) (intr) (of an internal-combustion engine) to ignite
38. (Agriculture) (intr) (of grain) to become blotchy or yellow before maturity
39. (Surgery) vet science another word for cauterize
40. (intr) informal Austral (of a sportsman, etc) to play well or with enthusiasm
sentence substitute
41. a cry to warn others of a fire
42. (Military) the order to begin firing a gun, artillery, etc
[Old English fӯr; related to Old Saxon fiur, Old Norse fūrr, Old High German fūir, Greek pur]
ˈfireable adj
ˈfireless adj
ˈfirer n
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

fire

(faɪər)

n., v. fired, fir•ing. n.
1. a state, process, or instance of combustion in which fuel or other material is ignited and combined with oxygen, giving off light, heat, and flame.
2. a burning mass of material, as on a hearth or in a furnace.
3. the destructive burning of a building, town, forest, etc.; conflagration.
4. heat used for cooking, esp. the lighted burner of a stove: Put the kettle on the fire.
5. Brit. a gas or electric heater used for heating a room.
6. brilliance, as of a gem.
7. burning passion; ardor; excitement.
8. liveliness of imagination.
9. severe trial or trouble; ordeal.
10. a spark or sparks.
11. the discharge of firearms: enemy fire.
12. a luminous object.
v.t.
13. to set on fire.
14. to supply with fuel; attend to the fire of.
15. to subject to heat.
16. to bake in a kiln.
17. to heat very slowly for the purpose of drying, as tea.
18. to inflame, as with passion; fill with ardor.
19. to inspire.
20. to light or cause to glow as if on fire.
21. to discharge (a gun).
22. to project (a bullet or the like) by or as if by discharging from a gun.
23. to subject to explosion or explosive force, as a mine.
24. to hurl; throw: to fire a stone through a window.
25. to dismiss from a job.
26. to drive out or away by or as if by fire.
v.i.
27. to take fire; be kindled.
28. to glow as if on fire.
29. to become inflamed with passion; become excited.
30. to shoot, as a gun.
31. to discharge a gun.
32. to hurl a projectile.
33. (of plant leaves) to turn yellow or brown before the plant matures.
34. fire away, to speak up, esp. immediately.
35. fire off,
a. to shoot from or as if from a weapon: I fired off six shots with my camera.
b. to write and send off hastily.
Idioms:
1. catch (on) fire, to become ignited; burn.
2. fight fire with fire, to use the same tactics as one's opponent.
3. on fire,
a. ignited; burning; afire.
b. eager; ardent; zealous.
c. highly feverish.
4. play with fire, to trifle with a serious or dangerous matter.
5. take fire,
a. to become ignited; burn.
b. to become inspired with enthusiasm or zeal.
6. under fire,
a. under attack, esp. by military forces.
b. under censure or criticism.
[before 900; Middle English; Old English fȳr (see pyro-)]
fir′er, n.
fire′less, adj.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.

fire

1. The command given to discharge a weapon(s).
2. To detonate the main explosive charge by means of a firing system. See also barrage fire; call fire; counterfire; counterpreparation fire; covering fire; destruction fire; direct fire; direct supporting fire; distributed fire; grazing fire; harassing fire; indirect fire; neutralization fire; observed fire; preparation fire; radar fire; registration fire; scheduled fire; searching fire; supporting fire; suppressive fire.
Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. US Department of Defense 2005.

Fire

See also heat; smoke

a person who destroys property by fire, for revenge, insurance, etc.
Obsolete, a large-scale fire or conflagration.
the deliberate destruction of property by fire; arson. — incendiary, n., adj.
Obsolete Chemistry. a hypothetical ingredient thought to be released during combustion. — phlogistic, adj.
Geology. produced by the action of heat, hot solutions, etc. — pyrogenic, adj.
the process of burning designs on wood or leather with a heated tool. — pyrograph, pyrographer, n.pyrographic, adj.
a fire-worshiper.
the worship of fire.
a form of divination involving fire or flames.
a persistent compulsion to start fires.
a love of fire.
an abnormal fear of fire.
a form of divination involving the examination of the ashes remaining after a sacrifice.
Rare. the act or process of burning or searing. — ustorious, ustulate, adj.
an early type of match that was difficult to extinguish.
-Ologies & -Isms. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

fire


Past participle: fired
Gerund: firing

Imperative
fire
fire
Present
I fire
you fire
he/she/it fires
we fire
you fire
they fire
Preterite
I fired
you fired
he/she/it fired
we fired
you fired
they fired
Present Continuous
I am firing
you are firing
he/she/it is firing
we are firing
you are firing
they are firing
Present Perfect
I have fired
you have fired
he/she/it has fired
we have fired
you have fired
they have fired
Past Continuous
I was firing
you were firing
he/she/it was firing
we were firing
you were firing
they were firing
Past Perfect
I had fired
you had fired
he/she/it had fired
we had fired
you had fired
they had fired
Future
I will fire
you will fire
he/she/it will fire
we will fire
you will fire
they will fire
Future Perfect
I will have fired
you will have fired
he/she/it will have fired
we will have fired
you will have fired
they will have fired
Future Continuous
I will be firing
you will be firing
he/she/it will be firing
we will be firing
you will be firing
they will be firing
Present Perfect Continuous
I have been firing
you have been firing
he/she/it has been firing
we have been firing
you have been firing
they have been firing
Future Perfect Continuous
I will have been firing
you will have been firing
he/she/it will have been firing
we will have been firing
you will have been firing
they will have been firing
Past Perfect Continuous
I had been firing
you had been firing
he/she/it had been firing
we had been firing
you had been firing
they had been firing
Conditional
I would fire
you would fire
he/she/it would fire
we would fire
you would fire
they would fire
Past Conditional
I would have fired
you would have fired
he/she/it would have fired
we would have fired
you would have fired
they would have fired
Collins English Verb Tables © HarperCollins Publishers 2011

fire

One of the four elements; associated with activity and enthusiasm.
Dictionary of Unfamiliar Words by Diagram Group Copyright © 2008 by Diagram Visual Information Limited
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Noun1.fire - the event of something burning (often destructive)fire - the event of something burning (often destructive); "they lost everything in the fire"
happening, natural event, occurrence, occurrent - an event that happens
backfire - a fire that is set intentionally in order to slow an approaching forest fire or grassfire by clearing a burned area in its path
balefire, bonfire - a large outdoor fire that is lighted as a signal or in celebration
brush fire - an uncontrolled fire that consumes brush and shrubs and bushes
campfire - a small outdoor fire for warmth or cooking (as at a camp)
conflagration, inferno - a very intense and uncontrolled fire
forest fire - an uncontrolled fire in a wooded area
grassfire, prairie fire - an uncontrolled fire in a grassy area
smolder, smoulder - a fire that burns with thick smoke but no flame; "the smoulder suddenly became a blaze"
smudge - a smoky fire to drive away insects
2.fire - the act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemyfire - 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"
attack, onrush, onset, onslaught - (military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons); "the attack began at dawn"
antiaircraft fire - firing at enemy aircraft
barrage fire, shelling, barrage, bombardment, battery - the heavy fire of artillery to saturate an area rather than hit a specific target; "they laid down a barrage in front of the advancing troops"; "the shelling went on for hours without pausing"
broadside - the simultaneous firing of all the armament on one side of a warship
fusillade, volley, burst, salvo - rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms; "our fusillade from the left flank caught them by surprise"
call fire - fire delivered on a specific target in response to a request from the supported unit
covering fire, cover - fire that makes it difficult for the enemy to fire on your own individuals or formations; "artillery provided covering fire for the withdrawal"
concentrated fire, massed fire - fire from two or more weapons directed at a single target or area (as fire by batteries of two or more warships)
counterfire - fire intended to neutralize or destroy enemy weapons
counterpreparation fire - intensive prearranged fire delivered when the immanence of enemy attack is discovered
crossfire - fire from two or more points so that the lines of fire cross
destruction fire - fire delivered for the sole purpose of destroying material objects
direct fire - fire delivered on a target that is visible to the person aiming it
distributed fire - fire dispersed so as to engage effectively an area target
friendly fire, fratricide - fire that injures or kills an ally
hostile fire - fire that injures or kills an enemy
grazing fire - fire approximately parallel to the ground; the center of the cone of fire does rise above 1 meter from the ground
harassing fire - fire designed to disturb the rest of enemy troops and to curtail movement and to lower enemy morale
indirect fire - fire delivered on a target that is not itself used as the point of aim for the weapons
interdiction fire - fire directed to an area to prevent the enemy from using that area
neutralization fire - fire that is delivered in order to render the target ineffective or unusable
observed fire - fire for which the point of impact (the burst) can be seen by an observer; fire can be adjusted on the basis of the observations
preparation fire - fire delivered on a target in preparation for an assault
radar fire - gunfire aimed a target that is being tracked by radar
registration fire - fire delivered to obtain accurate data for subsequent effective engagement of targets
scheduled fire - prearranged fire delivered at a predetermined time
searching fire - fire distributed in depth by successive changes in the elevation of the gun
supporting fire - fire delivered by supporting units to protect or assist a unit in combat
suppressive fire - fire on or about a weapon system to degrade its performance below what is needed to fulfill its mission objectives
unobserved fire - fire for which the point of impact (the bursts) cannot be observed
artillery fire, cannon fire - fire delivered by artillery
3.fire - the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smokefire - the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke; "fire was one of our ancestors' first discoveries"
blaze, blazing - a strong flame that burns brightly; "the blaze spread rapidly"
combustion, burning - a process in which a substance reacts with oxygen to give heat and light
flare - a sudden burst of flame
ignition - the process of initiating combustion or catching fire
4.fire - a fireplace in which a relatively small fire is burning; "they sat by the fire and talked"
cookfire - a fire for cooking
fireplace, hearth, open fireplace - an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built; "the fireplace was so large you could walk inside it"; "he laid a fire in the hearth and lit it"; "the hearth was black with the charcoal of many fires"
5.fire - once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles)
archaicism, archaism - the use of an archaic expression
element - one of four substances thought in ancient and medieval cosmology to constitute the physical universe; "the alchemists believed that there were four elements"
6.fire - feelings of great warmth and intensityfire - feelings of great warmth and intensity; "he spoke with great ardor"
passion, passionateness - a strong feeling or emotion
zeal - excessive fervor to do something or accomplish some end; "he had an absolute zeal for litigation"
7.fire - fuel that is burning and is used as a means for cooking; "put the kettle on the fire"; "barbecue over an open fire"
fuel - a substance that can be consumed to produce energy; "more fuel is needed during the winter months"; "they developed alternative fuels for aircraft"
8.fire - a severe trial; "he went through fire and damnation"
tribulation, visitation, trial - an annoying or frustrating or catastrophic event; "his mother-in-law's visits were a great trial for him"; "life is full of tribulations"; "a visitation of the plague"
9.fire - intense adverse criticism; "Clinton directed his fire at the Republican Party"; "the government has come under attack"; "don't give me any flak"
criticism, unfavorable judgment - disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings; "the senator received severe criticism from his opponent"
Verb1.fire - start firing a weapon
shoot, blast - fire a shot; "the gunman blasted away"
2.fire - cause to go off; "fire a gun"; "fire a bullet"
pop - fire a weapon with a loud explosive noise; "The soldiers were popping"
let drive, let fly, loose off - fire as from a gun; "The soldiers let drive their bullets"
shoot, blast - fire a shot; "the gunman blasted away"
fusillade - attack with fusillade
3.fire - bake in a kiln so as to harden; "fire pottery"
cookery, cooking, preparation - the act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat; "cooking can be a great art"; "people are needed who have experience in cookery"; "he left the preparation of meals to his wife"
bake - cook and make edible by putting in a hot oven; "bake the potatoes"
4.fire - terminate the employment of; discharge from an office or position; "The boss fired his secretary today"; "The company terminated 25% of its workers"
retire - make (someone) retire; "The director was retired after the scandal"
pension off - let go from employment with an attractive pension; "The director was pensioned off when he got senile"
clean out - force out; "The new boss cleaned out the lazy workers"
furlough, lay off - dismiss, usually for economic reasons; "She was laid off together with hundreds of other workers when the company downsized"
squeeze out - force out; "Some employees were squeezed out by the recent budget cuts"
remove - remove from a position or an office
send away, send packing, dismiss, drop - stop associating with; "They dropped her after she had a child out of wedlock"
hire, employ, engage - engage or hire for work; "They hired two new secretaries in the department"; "How many people has she employed?"
5.fire - go off or discharge; "The gun fired"
6.fire - drive out or away by or as if by fire; "The soldiers were fired"; "Surrender fires the cold skepticism"
chase away, dispel, drive away, drive off, drive out, run off, turn back - force to go away; used both with concrete and metaphoric meanings; "Drive away potential burglars"; "drive away bad thoughts"; "dispel doubts"; "The supermarket had to turn back many disappointed customers"
7.fire - call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)fire - call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses); "arouse pity"; "raise a smile"; "evoke sympathy"
create, make - make or cause to be or to become; "make a mess in one's office"; "create a furor"
touch a chord, strike a chord - evoke a reaction, response, or emotion; "this writer strikes a chord with young women"; "The storyteller touched a chord"
ask for, invite - increase the likelihood of; "ask for trouble"; "invite criticism"
draw - elicit responses, such as objections, criticism, applause, etc.; "The President's comments drew sharp criticism from the Republicans"; "The comedian drew a lot of laughter"
rekindle - arouse again; "rekindle hopes"; "rekindle her love"
infatuate - arouse unreasoning love or passion in and cause to behave in an irrational way; "His new car has infatuated him"; "love has infatuated her"
prick - to cause a sharp emotional pain; "The thought of her unhappiness pricked his conscience"
fire up, stir up, wake, heat, ignite, inflame - arouse or excite feelings and passions; "The ostentatious way of living of the rich ignites the hatred of the poor"; "The refugees' fate stirred up compassion around the world"; "Wake old feelings of hatred"
stimulate, stir, shake up, excite, shake - stir the feelings, emotions, or peace of; "These stories shook the community"; "the civil war shook the country"
excite - arouse or elicit a feeling
anger - make angry; "The news angered him"
discomfit, discompose, untune, upset, disconcert - cause to lose one's composure
shame - cause to be ashamed
spite, bruise, injure, offend, hurt - hurt the feelings of; "She hurt me when she did not include me among her guests"; "This remark really bruised my ego"
overwhelm, sweep over, whelm, overpower, overtake, overcome - overcome, as with emotions or perceptual stimuli
interest - excite the curiosity of; engage the interest of
8.fire - destroy by fire; "They burned the house and his diaries"
burn, combust - undergo combustion; "Maple wood burns well"
incinerate, burn - cause to undergo combustion; "burn garbage"; "The car burns only Diesel oil"
backfire - set a controlled fire to halt an advancing forest to prairie fire
cremate - reduce to ashes; "Cremate a corpse"
torch - burn maliciously, as by arson; "The madman torched the barns"
scorch - destroy completely by or as if by fire; "The wildfire scorched the forest and several homes"; "the invaders scorched the land"
ruin, destroy - destroy completely; damage irreparably; "You have ruined my car by pouring sugar in the tank!"; "The tears ruined her make-up"
9.fire - provide with fuel; "Oil fires the furnace"
furnish, provide, supply, render - give something useful or necessary to; "We provided the room with an electrical heater"
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

fire

noun
1. flames, blaze, combustion, inferno, conflagration, holocaust A forest fire is sweeping across the country.
2. heater, radiator, convector She switched on the electric fire.
3. passion, force, light, energy, heat, spirit, enthusiasm, excitement, dash, intensity, sparkle, life, vitality, animation, vigour, zeal, splendour, verve, fervour, eagerness, dynamism, lustre, radiance, welly (slang), virtuosity, élan, ardour, brio, vivacity, impetuosity, burning passion, scintillation, fervency, pizzazz or pizazz (informal) His punishing schedule seemed to dim his fire at times.
4. bombardment, shooting, firing, shelling, hail, volley, barrage, gunfire, sniping, flak, salvo, fusillade, cannonade His car was raked with fire from automatic weapons.
5. criticism, condemnation, disapproval, stick (slang), blame, rebuke, reprimand, flak (informal), reproach, dressing down (informal), reproof, sideswipe, castigation, remonstrance, reprehension He said they should turn their fire on the opposition.
verb
1. let off, shoot, launch, shell, loose, set off, discharge, hurl, eject, detonate, let loose (informal), touch off a huge gun designed to fire nuclear or chemical shells
2. shoot, explode, discharge, detonate, pull the trigger Soldiers fired rubber bullets to disperse crowds.
3. (Informal) dismiss, sack (informal), get rid of, discharge, lay off, make redundant, cashier, give notice, show the door, give the boot (slang), kiss off (slang, chiefly U.S. & Canad.), give the push, give the bullet (Brit. slang), give marching orders, give someone their cards, give the sack to (informal), give someone his or her P45 (informal) She was sent a letter saying she was fired from her job.
4. (sometimes with up) inspire, excite, stir, stimulate, motivate, irritate, arouse, awaken, animate, rouse, stir up, quicken, inflame, incite, electrify, enliven, spur on, galvanize, inspirit, impassion They were fired with an enthusiasm for public speaking.
5. set fire to, torch, ignite, set on fire, kindle, set alight, set ablaze, put a match to, set aflame, enkindle, light matches, turpentine and cotton, with which they fired the houses
catch fire ignite, flare up, burst into flames, burn The aircraft caught fire soon after take-off.
on fire
1. burning, flaming, blazing, alight, ablaze, in flames, aflame, fiery The captain radioed that the ship was on fire.
2. ardent, excited, inspired, eager, enthusiastic, passionate, fervent He was on fire, youthfully impatient.
Related words
like pyromania
fear pyrophobia
Proverbs
"Fight fire with fire"
"Fire is a good servant but a bad master"
"If you play with fire you get burnt"
"Out of the frying pan, into the fire"
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002

fire

noun
1. The visible signs of combustion:
2. Powerful, intense emotion:
3. Passionate devotion to or interest in a cause or subject, for example:
4. Exceptional brightness and clarity, as of a cut and polished stone:
5. Liveliness and vivacity of imagination:
verb
1. To cause to burn or undergo combustion:
Slang: torch.
Idioms: set afire, set fire to.
2. To arouse the emotions of; make ardent:
3. To discharge a gun or firearm:
4. To release or cause to release energy suddenly and violently, especially with a loud noise:
5. To launch with great force:
Idiom: let fly.
6. Informal. To send through the air with a motion of the hand or arm:
7. Informal. To end the employment or service of:
Informal: ax, pink-slip.
Slang: boot, bounce, can, sack.
Idioms: give someone his or her walking papers, give someone the ax, give someone the gate, give someone the pink slip, let go, show someone the door.
The American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
vuur
огънпечкапожарстрелямуволнявам
foc
oheňpalbapožárstříletvyhodit
ildfyrebålbrandflammer
brulegofajroincendio
آتشآذر
antaa potkuttulitulittaatulituserottaa
आग
vatraotpustitipećpožar
kályhakirúgtűztüzeltüzelés
api
eldurhitaplötur; rafmagnshellur, gashellurofnrekaskjóta
火事火災燃焼
부대에 담다
focusignisincendium
ugnisuždegtivieta prie židiniožaisti su ugnimižidinio grotelės
ugunsugunsgrēksugunskursaizrautībaapdedzināt
അഗ്നിതീ
focincendiusobă
kachleoheňvarič
ogenjpožarustrelitivneti sestreljanje
oganjpećvatraватраогањ
eldge eldskjutaspisugn
kupiga risasimoto
ไฟปลดออกจากงาน
вогонь
آگ
lửasa thảihoảhỏahỏa lực

fire

[faɪəʳ]
A. N
1. (= flames) → fuego m
much of the town was destroyed by fireel fuego causó la destrucción de gran parte de la ciudad
fire and brimstoneel fuego eterno
a fire and brimstone speechun discurso lleno de referencias apocalípticas
to catch fire [curtains, furniture] → prender fuego; [house] → incendiarse; [engine, car] → empezar a arder
the aircraft caught fire soon after take offpoco después de despegar se inició un incendio en el avión
fire damaged goodsmercancías fpl dañadas por el fuego
to be on fire (lit) → estar ardiendo (fig) (with passion, pain) → arder
to set fire to sth, set sth on fireprender fuego a algo
to set o.s. on fireprenderse fuego
to fight fire with firepagar con la misma moneda
to play with firejugar con fuego
to set the world on firecomerse el mundo
to go or come through fire and water (to do sth)pasar lo indecible (por hacer algo)
see also smoke A1
2. (in grate) → fuego m, lumbre f
to lay or make up a firepreparar el fuego or la lumbre
to light a fireencender un fuego or una lumbre
3. (= bonfire) → hoguera f, fogata f
to make a firehacer una hoguera or una fogata
4. (= fireplace) → lumbre f, chimenea f
come and sit by the fireven y siéntate a la lumbre or a lado de la chimenea
5. (accidental) → incendio m
87 people died in the fire87 personas murieron en el incendio
to be insured against fireestar asegurado contra incendios
bush fireincendio m de monte
forest fireincendio m forestal
6. (= heater) → estufa f
electric/gas fireestufa f eléctrica/de gas
7. (Mil) → fuego m
to draw sb's firedistraer a algn (disparando a algo que no es el objetivo real)
to draw fire (fig) → provocar críticas
the proposed tax has already drawn fire from the oppositionel impuesto propuesto ya ha provocado las críticas de la oposición
to exchange fire (with sb)tirotearse (con algn)
an exchange of fireun tiroteo
to hold (one's) fire (lit) → no disparar (fig) → esperar
hold your fire! (when already firing) → ¡alto al fuego!
to open fire (on sth/sb)abrir fuego (sobre algo/algn)
to return (sb's) fireresponder a los disparos (de algn); [troops] → responder al fuego enemigo
to be/come under fire (lit) → estar/caer bajo fuego enemigo (fig) → ser atacado
the President's plan came under fire from the oppositionel plan del presidente fue atacado por la oposición
to hang fire banks and building societies were hanging fire on interest rateslos bancos y las sociedades de préstamos hipotecarios dejaron en suspenso los tipos de interés
several projects were hanging fire in his absencevarios proyectos quedaron interrumpidos en su ausencia
see also line A11
8. (= passion) → ardor m
to have fire in one's bellyser muy ardoroso or apasionado
B. VT
1. (= shoot) [+ gun] → disparar; [+ missile, arrow] → disparar, lanzar; [+ rocket] → lanzar; [+ shot] → efectuar
to fire a gun at sbdisparar contra algn
he fired a question at herle lanzó una pregunta
he continued to fire (off) questions at hercontinuó acosándola con preguntas
to fire a salutetirar una salva
2. (= operate) gas/oil fired central heatingcalefacción f central a or de gas/de petróleo
3. (= set fire to) [+ property, building] → incendiar, prender fuego a
4. (= dismiss) → echar (a la calle), despedir
you're fired!¡queda usted despedido!
5. (in kiln) [+ pottery] → cocer
6. (= stimulate) [+ imagination] → estimular
fired with enthusiasm/determination, the crowdimpulsados por el entusiasmo/por la determinación, la multitud ...
she fires others with energyllena a los demás de energía
C. VI
1. (Mil) → disparar (at, on a contra sobre) riot police fired on the crowdla policía antidisturbios disparó sobre la multitud
ready, aim, fire!¡atención, apunten, fuego!
2. (Aut) [engine] → encenderse, prender (LAm)
3. (= dismiss)
see hire B
D. CPD fire alarm Nalarma f contra or de incendios
fire brigade, fire department (US) Ncuerpo m de bomberos
we called the fire brigadellamamos a los bomberos
fire chief N (US) → jefe/a m/f de bomberos
fire curtain Ntelón m contra incendios
fire department N (US) = fire brigade fire dog Nmorillo m
fire door Npuerta f contra incendios
fire drill Nsimulacro m de incendio
fire engine Ncoche m de bomberos
fire escape Nescalera f de incendios
fire exit Nsalida f de incendios
fire extinguisher Nextintor m
fire hazard N the spilt oil was a fire hazardel aceite derramado podía haber provocado un incendio
fire hydrant Nboca f de incendios
fire insurance Nseguro m contra incendios
fire irons NPLutensilios mpl para la chimenea
fire practice N = fire drill fire prevention Nprevención f de incendios
fire regulations NPLnormas fpl para la prevención de incendios
fire retardant Nignirretardante m
fire risk N = fire hazard fire sale Nventa f de liquidación por incendio
fire screen Npantalla f de chimenea
fire service N = fire brigade fire station Nestación f or (Sp) parque m de bomberos
fire tender, fire truck N (US) → coche m de bomberos
fire tower N (US) → torre f de vigilancia contra incendios
fire trap N edificio muy peligroso en caso de incendio
fire warden N (US) persona encargada de la lucha contra incendios
fire away VI + ADV "may I ask you something?" - "sure, fire away!"-¿puedo preguntarle algo? -¡adelante! or (LAm) -¡siga nomás!
fire off VT + ADV
see fire B1
fire up VT + ADV (fig) → enardecer
to be/get fired up about sthestar enardecido/enardecerse por algo
Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005

fire

[ˈfaɪər]
n
(gen)feu m
He made a fire to warm himself up → Il a fait du feu pour se réchauffer.
to be on fire → être en feu
to set fire to sth, to set sth on fire → mettre le feu à qch
to catch fire (= start burning) → prendre feu
to play with fire (= do sth dangerous) → jouer avec le feu
to have fire in one's belly → avoir le feu sacré
(accidental)incendie m
The house was destroyed by fire → La maison a été détruite par un incendie.
insured against fire → assuré(e) contre l'incendie
a forest fire → un incendie de forêt
to fight a fire [firemen] → combattre un incendie
to fight fire with fire (fig)combattre le feu par le feu
(= shooting) → tirs mpl
to be under fire [soldiers] → être sous le feu de l'ennemi
to come under fire [soldiers] → essuyer le feu
to come under fire from sb [soldiers] → essuyer le feu de qn
to open fire (= start shooting) → ouvrir le feu
to open fire on sb → ouvrir le feu sur qn
to hang fire (= delay a decision) → attendre pour se décider
to hold fire (= delay shooting) → suspendre le feu (= hold back) → attendre
to be in the line of fire (= be a target) → être dans la ligne de tir
to return fire (= shoot back) → riposter par le feu
to draw fire from sb (= be shot at) → essuyer le feu de qn
to draw fire for sth (= be criticized for) → essuyer des critiques pour qch
(= heater) → radiateur m
Turn the fire on → Allume le radiateur.
electric fire (mainly British)radiateur m électrique
gas fire (mainly British)radiateur m à gaz
vt
[+ bullet] → tirer; [+ arrow] → décocher
to fire a gun → tirer un coup de feu
The gun had not been fired
BUT L'arme n'avait pas servi.
to fire a gun at sb (= shoot at) → tirer sur qn
to fire a pistol at sb → tirer au pistolet sur qn
The man fired a pistol at a patrol → L'individu a tiré au pistolet sur une patrouille.
to fire a gun in the air → tirer en l'air
to fire questions at sb → bombarder qn de questions
[+ imagination] → enflammer, exciter
(= sack) [+ employee] → mettre à la porte, renvoyer
to be fired from one's job → être renvoyé(e) de son travail
He was fired from his job → Il a été renvoyé de son travail.
you're fired! → vous êtes viré!
vitirer, faire feu
She fired twice → Elle a tiré deux fois.
to fire at sb → tirer sur qn
The terrorist fired at the crowd → Le terroriste a tiré sur la foule.
to fire on sb → faire feu sur qnfire alarm nalarme f d'incendie
Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

fire

n
Feuer nt; the house was on firedas Haus brannte; to set fire to something, to set something on fireetw anzünden; (so as to destroy) → etw in Brand stecken; he’ll never set the world or the Thames (Brit) or the heather (Scot) on firevon ihm sind keine Sensationen zu erwarten; to catch fireFeuer fangen (also fig); (building, forest etc also)in Brand geraten; “keep away from fire„von Feuer fernhalten; when man discovered fireals der Mensch das Feuer entdeckte; you’re playing with fire (fig)du spielst mit dem Feuer; to fight fire with fire (fig)mit den gleichen Waffen kämpfen; to go through fire and water (fig)durchs Feuer gehen ? house
(= house fire, forest fire etc)Brand m; there was a fire next doornebenan hat es gebrannt; fire!Feuer!, feurio (old); Glasgow has more fires than any other cityin Glasgow brennt es häufiger als in anderen Städten; to insure oneself against fireeine Feuerversicherung abschließen
(in grate) → (Kamin)feuer nt; (= electric fire, gas fire)Ofen m; they have an open firesie haben einen offenen Kamin
(Mil) → Feuer nt; fire!Feuer!; to open fire on somebodydas Feuer auf jdn eröffnen; to be caught between two fires (lit, fig)zwischen zwei Feuer geraten; to come under fire (lit, fig)unter Beschuss geraten; he came under fire from the criticser wurde von den Kritikern unter Beschuss genommen; to draw fire from somebody (lit)von jdm unter Feuer genommen werden; (fig)jds Kritik auf sich (acc)ziehen; to be in the line of fire (lit, fig)in der Schusslinie stehen
(= passion)Feuer nt; he spoke with fireer sprach mit Leidenschaft; to have fire in one’s bellyvon leidenschaftlicher Begeisterung erfüllt sein; to be on fire (fig)brennen (→ with vor +dat)
vt
(= burn to destroy)in Brand stecken
potterybrennen
(fig) imaginationbeflügeln; passionsentzünden, entfachen (geh); enthusiasmbefeuern; to fire somebody with enthusiasmjdn begeistern, jdn in Begeisterung versetzen
gun, arrowabschießen; shotabfeuern, abgeben; rocketzünden, abfeuern; to fire a gun at somebodyauf jdn schießen; to fire a saluteSalut schießen; she fired an elastic (band) at mesie schoss ein Gummiband auf mich ab; to fire questions at somebodyFragen auf jdn abfeuern
(inf: = dismiss) → feuern (inf)
vi
(= shoot)feuern, schießen (→ at auf +acc); fire!(gebt) Feuer!
(engine)zünden; the engine is only firing on three cylindersder Motor läuft nur auf drei Zylindern

fire

:
fire alarm
nFeueralarm m; (= apparatus)Feuermelder m
fire appliance
nFeuerwehrfahrzeug nt
firearm
nFeuer- or Schusswaffe f
fireball
n
(of nuclear explosion)Feuerball m; (= lightning)Kugelblitz m
(= meteor)Feuerkugel f
(fig inf: = person) → Energiebündel nt (inf)
firebomb
nBrandbombe f
firebrand
n
Feuerbrand m (old)
(= mischief-maker)Unruhestifter(in) m(f), → Aufwiegler(in) m(f)
firebreak
n (= strip of land)Feuerschneise f; (= wall)Brandmauer f; (= sandbags etc)(Schutz)wall m (gegen die Ausbreitung eines Feuers)
firebrick
fire brigade
n (Brit) → Feuerwehr f
firebug
n (inf)Feuerteufel m (inf), → Brandstifter(in) m(f)
fire chief
n (esp Brit) → Feuerwehrhauptmann m
fire clay
nSchamotte f
firecracker
nKnallkörper m
firedamp
n (Min) → Grubengas nt, → schlagende Wetter pl
fire department
n (US) → Feuerwehr f
firedog
nKaminbock m
fire door
nFeuertür f
fire drill
nProbealarm m; (for firemen) → Feuerwehrübung f
fire-eater
nFeuerfresser or -schlucker m
fire engine
nFeuerwehrauto nt
fire escape
n (= staircase)Feuertreppe f; (= ladder)Feuerleiter f
fire exit
nNotausgang m; (= external stairs)Feuertreppe f
fire-extinguisher
firefight
n (Mil) → Schusswechsel m
firefighter
n (= fireman)Feuerwehrmann m/-frau f; (= voluntary helper)freiwilliger Helfer/freiwillige Helferin (bei der Feuerbekämpfung)
firefighting
adj attr techniques, teamzur Feuerbekämpfung; fire equipmentFeuerlöschgeräte pl; fire operationFeuerlöschaktion f
firefly
nLeuchtkäfer m
fireguard
n(Schutz)gitter nt (vor dem Kamin)
fire hazard
n to be a firefeuergefährlich sein; these old houses are a firebei diesen alten Häusern besteht Brandgefahr
fire hose
nFeuerwehrschlauch m
firehouse
n (US) → Feuerwache f, → Feuerwehrzentrale f
fire hydrant
nHydrant m
fire insurance
nFeuer- or Brandversicherung f
fire irons
plKaminbesteck nt
firelight
nSchein mdes Feuers or der Flammen
firelighter
fireman
n
Feuerwehrmann m/-frau f; to give somebody a fire’s liftjdn im Feuerwehrgriff tragen, jdn hochheben bzw tragen, indem man ihn über die Schulter wirft
(Rail) → Heizer m;
fire marshal
n (US) → Feuerwehrhauptmann m
fireplace
nKamin m
fireplug
n (dated US) → Hydrant m
firepower
n (of guns, aircraft, army)Feuerkraft f
fire prevention
nBrandschutz m
fireproof
adjfeuerfest
vt materialsfeuerfest machen
fire raiser
n (esp Brit) → Brandstifter(in) m(f)
fire raising
n (esp Brit) → Brandstiftung f
fire regulations
plBrandschutzbestimmungen pl
fire retardant
adjfeuerhemmend
nFeuerhemmer m
fire risk
nBrandrisiko nt
fire sale
nAusverkauf mvon Waren mit Brandschäden
fire screen
nOfenschirm m
Fire Service
nFeuerwehr f
fireside
n to sit by the fiream Kamin sitzen; fire chairLehnsessel m
fire station
firestorm
nFeuersturm m
firetrap
nFeuerfalle f
fire truck
n (US) = fire engine
firewall
n
(Comput) → Firewall f
(= wall)Brandmauer f
firewarden
nFeuerwache f
firewater
n (hum inf)Feuerwasser nt (inf)
firewoman
firewood
nBrennholz nt
fireworks
plFeuerwerkskörper pl; (= display)Feuerwerk nt; there’s going to be fire at the meeting (fig inf)bei dem Treffen werden die Funken fliegen
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007

fire

[ˈfaɪəʳ]
1. n
a. (gen) → fuoco; (house fire) → incendio
electric/gas fire → stufa elettrica/a gas
forest fire → incendio boschivo
to set fire to sth or set sth on fire → dar fuoco a qc, incendiare qc
to catch fire → prendere fuoco
to be on fire → essere in fiamme
insured against fire → assicurato/a contro gli incendi
to play with fire (fig) → scherzare col fuoco
b. (Mil) → fuoco
to open fire (on sb) → aprire il fuoco (contro or su qn)
to hold one's fire → cessare il fuoco
to be/come under fire (from) → essere/finire sotto il fuoco or il tiro (di)
the government has come under fire from the opposition → il governo è finito sotto il tiro dell'opposizione
2. vt
a. (gun, shot, salute) → sparare; (rocket) → lanciare
to fire a gun at sb → fare fuoco contro qn
to fire questions at sb → bombardare qn di domande
b. (pottery, in kiln) → cuocere (fig) (imagination) → accendere, infiammare
c. (fam) (dismiss) → licenziare
you're fired! → sei licenziato!
3. vi
a. (Mil) to fire (at)sparare (a), far fuoco (contro)
fire away or ahead! (fig) (fam) → spara!
b. (Aut) (subj, engine) → accendersi
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995

fire

(ˈfaiə) noun
1. anything that is burning, whether accidentally or not. a warm fire in the kitchen; Several houses were destroyed in a fire.
2. an apparatus for heating. a gas fire; an electric fire.
3. the heat and light produced by burning. Fire is one of man's greatest benefits.
4. enthusiasm. with fire in his heart.
5. attack by gunfire. The soldiers were under fire.
verb
1. (of china, pottery etc) to heat in an oven, or kiln, in order to harden and strengthen. The ceramic pots must be fired.
2. to make (someone) enthusiastic; to inspire. The story fired his imagination.
3. to operate (a gun etc) by discharging a bullet etc from it. He fired his revolver three times.
4. to send out or discharge (a bullet etc) from a gun etc. He fired three bullets at the target.
5. (often with at or on) to aim and operate a gun at; to shoot at. They suddenly fired on us; She fired at the target.
6. to send away someone from his/her job; to dismiss. He was fired from his last job for being late.
fire alarm
an apparatus (eg a bell) to give warning of a fire. Everyone had to leave the building when the fire alarm rang.
ˈfirearm noun
any type of gun. In most countries you need a licence to keep firearms.
ˈfire-brigade noun
a company of firemen. Call the fire-brigade!
ˈfire-cracker noun
a kind of firework which makes a loud noise.
ˈfire-engine noun
a vehicle carrying firemen and their equipment.
ˈfire-escape noun
a means of escape from a building in case of fire, usually in the form of a metal staircase on the outside of the building. Hotels should have fire-escapes.
ˈfire-extinguisher noun
an apparatus (usually containing chemicals) for putting out fires. There must be fire-extinguishers in every room.
ˈfire-guard noun
a metal framework placed in front of a fireplace for safety.
ˈfireman noun
a man whose job is to put out accidental fires or those caused deliberately as a criminal act.
ˈfireplace noun
a space in a room (usually in a wall) with a chimney above, for a fire. a wide stone fireplace.
ˈfireproof adjective
that is made so it cannot catch fire. a fireproof suit.
ˈfireside noun
a place beside a fireplace. The old man slept by the fireside; (also adjective) a fireside chair.
ˈfire-station noun
the building or buildings where fire-engines and other pieces of equipment used by firemen are kept.
ˈfirewood noun
wood that is suitable for burning as fuel. I went into the garden to cut firewood.
ˈfirework noun
a small exploding device giving off a colourful display of lights. Rockets are my favourite fireworks; (also adjective) a firework display; If your sister finds out, there'll be fireworks (= a display of anger)!
ˈfiring-squad noun
a group of soldiers with guns, to execute a prisoner. He must face the firing-squad.
catch fire
to begin to burn. Dry wood catches fire easily.
on fire
burning. The building is on fire!
open fire (usually with on)
to begin shooting at. The enemy opened fire (on us).
play with fire
to do something dangerous or risky. Putting all your money into that business is playing with fire!
set fire to (something) / set (something) on fire
to cause (something) to begin burning usually accidentally or deliberately as a criminal act. They set fire to the ambassador's house; She has set the house on fire.
under fire
1. being shot at. We have been under fire from the enemy all day.
2. being criticized or blamed. The government is under fire.
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary © 2006-2013 K Dictionaries Ltd.

fire

نار, يَصْرِفُ مِنَ الـخِدْمَة oheň, vyhodit z práce fyre, ild entlassen, Feuer διώχνω, φωτιά echar del trabajo, fuego antaa potkut, tuli feu, renvoyer otpustiti, vatra incendio, licenziare, 首にする 부대에 담다, 불 ontslaan, vuur bål, gi sparken ogień, zwolnić demitir, fogo огонь, увольнять avskeda, eld ไฟ, ปลดออกจากงาน işten atmak, yangın lửa, sa thải 开除,
Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009

fire

n. fuego; [conflagration] incendio;
___ alarmalarma de ___;
___ departmentcuerpo de bomberos;
___ escapeescalera de ___;
v.
to catch ___encenderse, prenderse;
to set ___ toencender, quemar.
English-Spanish Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
Collins Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009

fire

n fuego, incendio; — department cuerpo or departamento de bomberos; — extinguisher extintor m de incendios; fire-resistant ignífugo, resistente al fuego; — retardant retardante m de fuego
English-Spanish/Spanish-English Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
References in classic literature ?
But Adam did not need it, Nor the plough he would not speed it, Singing:--"Earth and Water, Air and Fire, What more can mortal man desire?"(The Apple Tree's in bud.)
Sun Tzu said: There are five ways of attacking with fire. The first is to burn soldiers in their camp; the second is to burn stores; the third is to burn baggage trains; the fourth is to burn arsenals and magazines; the fifth is to hurl dropping fire amongst the enemy.
Fire Eater sneezes and forgives Pinocchio, who saves his friend, Harlequin, from death
"Toss out the fire," said the captain; "the chill is past, and we mustn't have smoke in our eyes."
My plan was to go as far as possible that night, and then, building a fire, to sleep in the protection of its glare.
"That's well," replied they, again replenishing the fire. D'Artagnan looked at them with much uneasiness; it was evident that these men who were making such a fire for no apparent purpose had some strange intentions.
The intense heat of the fire is prevented from communicating itself to the deck, by means of a shallow reservoir extending under the entire inclosed surface of the works.
He seated it in front of the fire, and tried to think he had his wife back again.
Or when stories were told by the fire at night which made the flesh creep, the listeners sometimes said: 'Oh, it makes us shudder!' The younger sat in a corner and listened with the rest of them, and could not imagine what they could mean.
Then he stalked out of the hut, and leaving the three guards at the gate, commanded a company of soldiers to surround the kraal and fire it.
He was glancing at everyone with a clear, bright expression, as if asking them to notice how calmly he sat under fire. But despite himself, on his face too that same indication of something new and stern showed round the mouth.
Instantly the scene changed as by magic; the foremost vessel swung broadside toward us, and bringing her guns into play returned our fire, at the same time moving parallel to our front for a short distance and then turning back with the evident intention of completing a great circle which would bring her up to position once more opposite our firing line; the other vessels followed in her wake, each one opening upon us as she swung into position.