a·fire

[uh-fahyuhr]
adjective
1.
on fire: to set a house afire.
2.
aflame ( def 2 ).

Origin:
1175–1225; Middle English; see a-1, fire

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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World English Dictionary
afire (əˈfaɪə) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
adv, —adj
1.  on fire; ablaze
2.  intensely interested or passionate: he was afire with enthusiasm for the new plan

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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00:10
Afire is always a great word to know.
So is quincunx. Does it mean:
an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.
a fool or simpleton; ninny.
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

afire
c.1200, afure, from a- "on" (see a- (1)) + fire (q.v.).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Recently they set a school afire and then attacked the firemen who came to
  extinguish the fire.
The explosion knocked him unconscious and set him afire.
He was still silent but began at once to erect a heap of dry sticks which he
  presently set afire.
The incident involved afire, radioactive materials, and a total of three
  casualties.
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