ENGLISH
REFERENCE

firefighter

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈfaɪɹˌfaɪtɝ// UK //fˈaɪəfaɪtɐ// fire·fight·er General-service

n. a person whose job is to stop fires from burning and to rescue people from dangerous situations. They often work for the city and wear special protective clothes.

n. a person whose professional role involves extinguishing fires and performing rescue operations during emergencies. This term is the standard gender-neutral replacement for 'fireman'.


SIMPLE

The firefighter wears a heavy helmet and a thick jacket.

CONTEXTUAL

A brave firefighter climbed the ladder to rescue the cat from the burning building.

COMPLEX

Modern firefighters undergo rigorous physical training and technical instruction to handle hazardous materials and complex structural collapses in addition to traditional fire suppression.

Synonyms
Origin

From fire + fighter. Created as a gender-neutral term for fireman and firewoman.

Usage

The term is preferred over 'fireman' or 'firewoman' in professional and formal contexts to maintain gender neutrality.

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