D
Dicread
HomeDictionaryFfire

fire

When used as a noun to describe the process of burning, 'fire' is usually uncountable (e.g., "There is fire in the grate"). However, it becomes countable when referring to specific instances or types of fires (e.g., "The forest suffered several small fires"). As a verb, 'fire' has very different meanings depending on the context. Be careful not to confuse dismissing someone from a job with discharging a weapon; usually, the surrounding conversation about work or military action will make the meaning clear.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Chloe is procrastinating in the library while Fatima is actually studying.
Chloe Smith

omg my boss just fired me over a text. i'm actually shaking.

Chloe Smith
Fatima
Fatima

wait what? you were barely pulling your weight anyway.

💡
Chloe uses 'fired' to mean dismissed from her job. Fatima responds with the idiom 'pulling your weight', meaning to do one's fair share of work, highlighting their dynamic where Fatima is the disciplined one and Chloe is chaotic.

Meanings

noun

A process of combustion that produces light, heat, and flames.

"They sat around the campfire to keep warm."

verb (transitive)

To discharge a gun or other weapon.

"The soldier was ordered to fire the cannon."

verb (transitive)

To dismiss someone from a job.

"The manager had to fire the employee for constant tardiness."

verb (intransitive)

To ignite or begin burning.

"The dry brush caught and began to fire rapidly across the hillside."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error