English Reference
verb

fires

v.
US /ˈfaɪɝz/ UK /fˈaɪəz/ fires

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    to shoot a gun or other weapon.

    to discharge a firearm or other projectile weapon; third-person singular present form.

    Simple

    The soldier fires his rifle at the target during practice.

    In context

    The automated system fires a warning shot if an unidentified vessel enters the restricted zone without authorization.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    to tell someone they can no longer work at a company.

    to terminate an individual's employment, typically due to poor performance or misconduct.

    Simple

    The manager fires anyone who is caught stealing from the shop.

    In context

    The board of directors rarely fires a CEO without significant evidence of financial mismanagement or a breach of contract.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Literary

    to make someone feel very excited or interested in something.

    to stimulate or inspire someone's imagination or enthusiasm.

    Simple

    The teacher's passion for history really fires the students' imagination.

    In context

    The prospect of discovering a new species fires the researcher's ambition, driving her to work long hours in the field.

Usage fires in recent · fires broke · fires spread

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Common
Updated