fire
- noun
- /faɪər/
- Informal
- During the debate, the candidate was under fire for his stance on immigration policy.
- come under fire
Loading YouTube…
Watch on YouTubeIt's Donald Trump just training his fire on where he sees the threat.
- It's Donald Trump just training his fire on where he sees the threat.
- They hold other people's feet to the fire about the rules.
- But I've started replying the horrible back fire with fire now.
Examples
-
They hold other people's feet to the fire about the rules.
-
The senator faced intense fire from the press after his controversial remarks.
-
It's Donald Trump just training his fire on where he sees the threat.
-
Administrators are under fire to improve test scores.
Academic text (2003) -
Being a conservative, white, Christian, and a climate skeptic, I draw fire from several different angles.
Blog text (12) -
The question drew sharp fire from two respondents who found it insulting.
Academic text (1993) -
In his Pastorale, Lorich advocated ideas that brought him under fire from both sides.
Academic text (2004) -
As concerns over racial-climate issues roil campuses nationwide, other institutions have come under fire for issuing campus alerts with insufficient information.
Academic text (2016) -
The company's CEO drew serious fire for the lack of transparency in their financial reporting.
Synonyms
Strong words that criticize someone or something
A sudden, strong public reaction of anger or criticism
Strong criticism from many people for something you did
A strong public attack in words on someone or something
A sudden large amount of criticism aimed at someone or something
Very strong criticism that openly attacks a person
A loud angry speech that attacks a person or idea
Antonyms
Idioms
- Informal
Make someone do what they promised or take responsibility by pressuring them
- Informal
To make a bad situation worse by saying or doing something that makes people angrier
- Informal
If there are signs of a problem, it is probably true
- Informal
Escaping a bad situation and ending in a much worse one
- Informal
Strong energy and passion that continue even when someone gets older
Save someone from a difficult situation at the last moment
- Archaic
To cause great excitement or a big effect, often said to mean something is not impressive
To pay attention to something unimportant instead of the main task
Compounds
A group that sends people to put out fires and help in emergencies in the local area
A staircase or metal ladder on the outside of a building used to get out during a fire
A practice where people leave a building to be safe during a fire or other emergency
- Formal
A person who makes sure buildings are safe from fire, investigates fires, and enforces fire safety rules
- Specialized
Intense gunfire aimed near an enemy to keep them from shooting back while friendly troops move
- Formal
A set of rules made by authorities about buildings to prevent fires and keep people safe
- Informal
A very difficult test that shows if someone can do a job under pressure
- Specialized
A bright red flame that comes from burning chemicals and people use in fireworks and flares
- US
A large fast fire that burns across dry grassland and spreads quickly in strong wind
- Specialized
A slow burn in the layer of dead leaves and wood under the soil, often without visible flames
- Specialized
Continuous gunfire aimed at an enemy to stop them firing or moving so friendly troops can advance
- Specialized
Gunfire from the ground aimed at enemy planes to stop an air attack
- Specialized
Shooting at a target you cannot see using calculations or people who watch
- Specialized
A blue glow that appears on pointed objects like ship masts or airplane wings during thunderstorms
- Canadian
A building where firefighters keep equipment, work, and hold community events
- Specialized
A system that finds and aims weapons at military targets on ships or tanks
- Specialized
A long heavy stream of shots from large guns across a wide area to hit many places
- Specialized
A system that uses radio waves to aim and fire weapons at military targets
- Specialized
Gunfire by other soldiers or tanks that protects attacking soldiers from the enemy
How Harsh
Surface Forms
Etymology
Fire comes from the old word fyr meaning 'flame', and people often compare sharp attack or criticism to directing flames at someone. That's why being 'under fire' means facing strong public attack or criticism.