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fire

fire

5.9
Shooting weapons at an enemy or target
  • noun
  • /faɪər/
translation icon : fuego
  • Open fire.
  • open fire
  • a cease-fire
  • gun fire

Examples

  • - Hold your fire!

  • We are taking heavy fire from two two-man RPG teams.

  • I was laying down fire when I initially got shot.

  • Concentrate fire on the weak ones.

  • Turn into the ambush, turn toward the enemy, fire and attack.

  • Your comrade should be able to offer covering fire, even if he can no longer move.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Please hold your fire.

  • The IDF outnumbered Hamas 3:1 and enjoyed close fire and intelligence support.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Nor would a frontal assault, without backup fire from our mortar squad, be anything but suicide.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • The soldiers were ordered to hold their position and return fire at the enemy forces.

Synonyms

shot
vsfire
2.3

Firing a bullet or explosive from a weapon

is the same act when used for combat against an enemy
shooting
vsfire
350 2.3

Firing a gun for practice or sport

is the military usage aimed at enemy targets
gunfire
vsfire
204 2.5

The sound or act of shooting guns

is used in military contexts to mean attack directed at enemy
bombardment
vsfire
47 7.0

A long, heavy attack with bombs or large guns on a place

is the basic shooting action without implying sustained intensity
firing
vsfire
14 3.0

The act of shooting a gun

is its military sense focused on action against an enemy
salvo
vsfire
8 8.6

A sudden group of gun or cannon shots fired together

is the general act whether single or in quick groups
artillery fire
vsfire
  • Specialized
7 6.9

A heavy attack by military guns and cannons on enemy positions

is the general shooting act not limited to heavy weapons
mortar fire
vsfire
7 7.9

Soldiers fire explosive shells in a high arc at a target from the ground

is broader, covering shooting with many weapon types
hostile fire
vsfire
  • Specialized
3 7.0

An attack in which an enemy shoots at people

is the general act which may not always be directed by an enemy
cannon fire
vsfire
3 4.9

Loud shots from large guns used in an attack

covers shooting generally, not only from cannons
rocket firing
vsfire
  • Specialized
2 4.5

An event when a rocket moves into the sky using its engines

is the act of shooting weapons not limited to self-propelled projectiles
direct fire
vsfire
  • Specialized
1 7.7

Shooting at a target you can see with weapons like a tank or rifle

is the broader act not limited to targets seen directly
suppressive fire
vsfire
  • Specialized
1 7.8

Continuous gunfire aimed at an enemy to stop them firing or moving so friendly troops can advance

is the general act which may not aim to restrict enemy action
antiaircraft fire
vsfire
  • Specialized
1 5.9

Gunfire from the ground aimed at enemy planes to stop an air attack

is general shooting not specifically aimed at aircraft
shellfire
vsfire
  • Specialized
1 8.8

Heavy firing of large guns causes explosions at a place

is the same shooting but not restricted to explosive ammunition
enfilade fire
vsfire
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Gunfire that goes along the length of a line of soldiers, causing heavy damage

is general shooting without this specific directional advantage
massed fire
vsfire
  • Specialized
8.8

Many weapons fire together at one target

is the general act which can be solitary or uncoordinated
concentrated fire
vsfire
  • Jargon
7.1

Fire from several weapons aimed together at one target

is the ordinary shooting act not necessarily concentrated
barrage fire
vsfire
  • Specialized
9.3

A long heavy stream of shots from large guns across a wide area to hit many places

is simpler shooting, not focused on wide saturation
drumfire
vsfire
  • Specialized
9.9

A long, very loud attack by many heavy guns firing rapidly

is the general act which may be brief or less intense
zone fire
vsfire
  • Jargon
9.5

Artillery or mortar guns fire in one direction with changing elevation to hit different distances across a target area

is the general act without planned elevation variation
searching fire
vsfire
  • Specialized
9.9

Shots from guns aimed at different heights to hit targets at various distances

is ordinary shooting not arranged to search distances
distributed fire
vsfire
  • Specialized
8.2

Shots from many guns spread over an area to hit targets

is concentrated shooting at a single focal point instead
harassing fire
vsfire
  • Specialized
9.3

Shots from guns or artillery that disturb, tire, and stop enemy soldiers from moving

is intended for combat effect rather than nuisance or wear
counterfire
vsfire
  • Specialized
8.0

Gunfire aimed to destroy enemy weapons or positions

is the general act that may not be aimed at enemy firing positions
counterpreparation fire
vsfire
  • Specialized
9.9

A planned heavy attack with artillery to weaken enemy forces before an assault

is ordinary shooting not necessarily timed before an enemy assault
preparation fire
vsfire
  • Specialized
9.3

A set of shots from guns or artillery aimed at enemy positions before an attack

is the general shooting act not specific to pre-assault timing
call fire
vsfire
  • Specialized
9.6

Artillery or aircraft attack a specific target after a unit asks for it

is ordinary shooting not triggered by a battlefield request
observed fire
vsfire
  • Specialized
8.9

Shots from guns that soldiers adjust after seeing where they land

is general shooting without adjustment from visual spotting
unobserved fire
vsfire
  • Specialized
9.9

Shots from guns or cannons fired without seeing where they hit

is shooting where impacts can be seen and corrected visually
destruction fire
vsfire
  • Specialized
9.4

Shooting that destroys things like buildings or vehicles in war

is broader combat shooting also aimed at enemy personnel

Antonyms

277 4.1

An agreement between fighting sides to stop fighting, often to allow peace talks

Idioms

341 1.0

Burning with flames and smoke

on fire
  • Informal
169 4.7

Doing something very well and with great success

under fire
  • Literature
58 5.0

Receiving strong criticism or being shot at, often in public

22 5.8

To take a big risk that can cause harm

Make someone do what they promised or take responsibility by pressuring them

10 5.3

To use the same harsh methods as someone who attacks you

7 5.9

To make a bad situation worse by saying or doing something that makes people angrier

6 8.9

A shouted warning that a blast or sudden danger is about to happen

5 5.7

Work at the best possible level

4 7.1

To have a big success that many people notice

4 6.6

A strong wish to succeed that makes you try very hard

ball of fire
  • Informal
1 5.4

A person who is very energetic and enthusiastic

To start a project or activity

Save someone from a difficult situation at the last moment

Make a bad situation worse by what you say or do

A strong inner feeling that makes someone want to do something

8.9

Strong energy and passion that continue even when someone gets older

To pay attention to something unimportant instead of the main task

9.9

A short shout that shows surprise or strong excitement

Escaping a bad situation and ending in a much worse one

To make a bad situation worse by saying or doing something

To cause great excitement or a big effect, often said to mean something is not impressive

If there are signs of a problem, it is probably true

Compounds

277 4.1

An agreement between fighting sides to stop fighting, often to allow peace talks

73 1.1

A group that sends people to put out fires and help in emergencies in the local area

51 2.7

A staircase or metal ladder on the outside of a building used to get out during a fire

A portable metal can you use to spray chemicals to put out small fires

31 1.0

A loud signal that warns people there is a fire or smoke

30 1.8

A big vehicle that carries firefighters and tools to put out fires

22 1.3

A building where firefighters and fire engines stay and go to fires

friendly fire
  • Specialized
22 6.5

Accidental attack that injures your own soldiers or allies

21 1.8

A large uncontrolled burning of trees in a forest that causes much damage

15 2.1

A tall pipe in the street with a tap for firefighters to get water

14 2.9

A person in charge of firefighters and their work in a city or town

fire marshal
  • Formal
13 3.8

A person who makes sure buildings are safe from fire, investigates fires, and enforces fire safety rules

12 2.4

A practice where people leave a building to be safe during a fire or other emergency

12 1.6

A large vehicle that carries firefighters and tools to fight fires

11 5.3

A situation where someone risks being harmed or strongly criticized

line of fire
  • Specialized
11 5.5

The path a bullet or other shot follows after being fired

9 4.2

People sell goods at very low prices because they must sell quickly

8 3.6

A small reddish-brown insect that stings and causes a burning pain

8 4.4

Certain to work and bring success

artillery fire
  • Specialized
7 6.9

A heavy attack by military guns and cannons on enemy positions

7 7.9

Soldiers fire explosive shells in a high arc at a target from the ground

6 2.3

A large strong hose that firefighters use to carry water to put out fires

5 4.1

A small uncontrolled fire that burns bushes and shrubs

5 3.2

A door that stops fire and smoke from spreading between parts of a building

5 2.3

A team of people who put out flames and help in emergencies

fire-retardant
  • Specialized
5 4.4

Not easy to burn because it has a special treatment

field of fire
  • Specialized
4 8.8

The area a gun can hit from one position

Strong religious warnings about hell and God's punishment

fire control
  • Specialized
4 6.8

To prepare and direct large guns to hit a target in battle

4 2.9

An outdoor place that holds a fire for warmth or cooking

Able to blow fire from the mouth like a dragon

3 4.9

Loud shots from large guns used in an attack

covering fire
  • Specialized
3 7.7

Intense gunfire aimed near an enemy to keep them from shooting back while friendly troops move

hostile fire
  • Specialized
3 7.0

An attack in which an enemy shoots at people

3 4.2

A fire lit to attract attention and show where people are

fire insurance
  • Specialized
3 3.2

A plan that helps pay to repair or rebuild property after a fire

A performer who blows fuel from the mouth to make a flame

fire code
  • Formal
3 3.4

A set of rules made by authorities about buildings to prevent fires and keep people safe

trial by fire
  • Informal
3 7.4

A very difficult test that shows if someone can do a job under pressure

2 2.0

A bell that rings to warn people about a fire

2 3.5

A group of trained people who fight fires in a local area

2 9.9

A burning liquid used as a weapon by the Byzantine navy that burns on water

baptism of fire
  • Informal
1 7.7

A first hard experience that tests someone's ability and courage

1 5.4

A tall tower in a forest where a person looks for smoke to find fires

ground fire
  • Specialized
1 7.1

A slow burn in the layer of dead leaves and wood under the soil, often without visible flames

direct fire
  • Specialized
1 7.7

Shooting at a target you can see with weapons like a tank or rifle

antiaircraft fire
  • Specialized
1 5.9

Gunfire from the ground aimed at enemy planes to stop an air attack

fire hose
  • Informal
1 6.1

A very large fast flow of questions or messages that is hard to handle

indirect fire
  • Specialized
1 8.2

Shooting at a target you cannot see using calculations or people who watch

1 7.3

A large fast fire that burns across dry grassland and spreads quickly in strong wind

suppressive fire
  • Specialized
1 7.8

Continuous gunfire aimed at an enemy to stop them firing or moving so friendly troops can advance

1 2.3

A very large bright fire that burns strongly

fire control radar
  • Specialized
1 6.8

A system that uses radio waves to aim and fire weapons at military targets

1 3.5

A screen placed in front of an open fire to stop sparks from flying into the room

supporting fire
  • Specialized
1 7.0

Gunfire by other soldiers or tanks that protects attacking soldiers from the enemy

beacon fire
  • Archaic
1 8.3

A fire lit on a hill or tower to signal people far away

A sudden strong flash of flames or energy that happens quickly

crown fire
  • Specialized
1 8.2

A fast forest fire that moves through the tops of trees, often moving ahead of the fire on the ground

enfilade fire
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Gunfire that goes along the length of a line of soldiers, causing heavy damage

fire blight
  • Specialized
1 7.7

A serious disease caused by bacteria that makes apple and pear shoots and flowers turn black and die

fire control system
  • Specialized
1 6.1

A system that finds and aims weapons at military targets on ships or tanks

1 6.0

A metal tool like a poker or tongs that you use to tend a fire in a fireplace

1 5.3

A person who watches over a forest or park to prevent and fight fires

fire-eater
  • Offensive
1 8.8

A person who speaks angrily and likes to start political arguments

1 8.6

A performer who puts fire into their mouth to entertain people

St. Elmo's fire
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A blue glow that appears on pointed objects like ship masts or airplane wings during thunderstorms

call fire
  • Specialized
9.6

Artillery or aircraft attack a specific target after a unit asks for it

close supporting fire
  • Specialized
8.5

Gunfire aimed near friendly troops to protect them from immediate enemy threats

7.1

Fire from several weapons aimed together at one target

counterbattery fire
  • Specialized
8.3

Fire from big guns aimed at enemy guns to destroy them

countermortar fire
  • Specialized
9.6

Fire from guns aimed at enemy mortar positions to destroy or stop them

9.9

A planned heavy attack with artillery to weaken enemy forces before an assault

deep supporting fire
  • Specialized
8.8

Fire from heavy guns at enemy targets far behind friendly troops to disrupt supplies and reinforcements

How Intense

bombardment
47 7.0
barrage
  • Specialized
14 7.6
fire
5.9
to burst
115 1.9
shot
2.3

Surface Forms

fire singular
fires plural

Etymology

Fire comes from the old word fyr meaning 'flame', and people used the image of a sudden burst of heat or light to talk about weapons being used. That's why to 'open fire' or to 'fire' at someone means to shoot — you 'send out' a sudden, powerful burst like a flame.