a process in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air and typically give out bright light, heat, and smoke; combustion or burning

his house was destroyed by fire

a burning sensation

the whisky lit a fire in the back of his throat

the shooting of projectiles from weapons, especially bullets from guns

a burst of machine-gun fire

mortar fire

discharge a gun or other weapon in order to propel (a bullet or projectile)

he fired a shot at the retreating prisoners

they fired off a few rounds

dismiss (an employee) from a job

I had to fire men who've been with me for years

you're fired!

supply (a furnace, engine, etc.) with fuel

liquefied petroleum gas can fire room heaters

stimulate or excite (the imagination or an emotion)

India fired my imagination

bake or dry (pottery, bricks, etc.) in a kiln

methane gas is being used to fire bricks at a nearby factory