set fire to

- 6 dictionary results

fire

[fahy^uh

noun, verb, fired, fir⋅ing.

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–noun

1.	a state, process, or instance of combustion in which fuel or other material is ignited and combined with oxygen, giving off light, heat, and flame.

2.	a burning mass of material, as on a hearth or in a furnace.

3.	the destructive burning of a building, town, forest, etc.; conflagration.

4.	heat used for cooking, esp. the lighted burner of a stove: Put the kettle on the fire.

5.	Greek fire.

6.	flashing light; luminous appearance.

7.	brilliance, as of a gem.

8.	burning passion; excitement or enthusiasm; ardor.

9.	liveliness of imagination.

10.	fever or inflammation.

11.	severe trial or trouble; ordeal.

12.	exposure to fire as a means of torture or ordeal.

13.	strength, as of an alcoholic beverage.

14.	a spark or sparks.

15.	the discharge of firearms: enemy fire.

16.	the effect of firing military weapons: to pour fire upon the enemy.

17.	British. a gas or electric heater used for heating a room.

18.	Literary. a luminous object, as a star: heavenly fires.

–verb (used with object)

19.	to set on fire.

20.	to supply with fuel; attend to the fire of: They fired the boiler.

21.	to expose to the action of fire; subject to heat.

22.	to apply heat to in a kiln for baking or glazing; burn.

23.	to heat very slowly for the purpose of drying, as tea.

24.	to inflame, as with passion; fill with ardor.

25.	to inspire.

26.	to light or cause to glow as if on fire.

27.	to discharge (a gun).

28.	to project (a bullet or the like) by or as if by discharging from a gun.

29.	to subject to explosion or explosive force, as a mine.

30.	to hurl; throw: to fire a stone through a window.

31.	to dismiss from a job.

32.	Veterinary Medicine. to apply a heated iron to (the skin) in order to create a local inflammation of the superficial structures, with the intention of favorably affecting deeper inflammatory processes.

33.	to drive out or away by or as by fire.

–verb (used without object)

34.	to take fire; be kindled.

35.	to glow as if on fire.

36.	to become inflamed with passion; become excited.

37.	to shoot, as a gun.

38.	to discharge a gun: to fire at a fleeing enemy.

39.	to hurl a projectile.

40.	Music. to ring the bells of a chime all at once.

41.	(of plant leaves) to turn yellow or brown before the plant matures.

42.	(of an internal-combustion engine) to cause ignition of the air-fuel mixture in a cylinder or cylinders.

43.	(of a nerve cell) to discharge an electric impulse.

—Verb phrases

44.	fire away, Informal. to begin to talk and continue without slackening, as to ask a series of questions: The reporters fired away at the president.

45.

fire off,

a.	to discharge (as weapons, ammunition, etc.): Police fired off canisters of tear gas.

b.	to write and send hurriedly: She fired off an angry letter to her congressman.

—Idioms

46.	between two fires, under physical or verbal attack from two or more sides simultaneously: The senator is between two fires because of his stand on the bill.

47.	build a fire under, Informal. to cause or urge to take action, make a decision quickly, or work faster: If somebody doesn't build a fire under that committee, it will never reach a decision.

48.

catch fire,

a.	Also, catch on fire. to become ignited; burn: The sofa caught fire from a lighted cigarette.

b.	to create enthusiasm: His new book did not catch fire among his followers.

49.	fight fire with fire, to use the same tactics as one's opponent; return like for like.

50.	go through fire and water, to brave any danger or endure any trial: He said he would go through fire and water to win her hand.

51.

hang fire,

a.	to be delayed in exploding, or fail to explode.

b.	to be undecided, postponed, or delayed: The new housing project is hanging fire because of concerted opposition.

52.

miss fire,

a.	to fail to explode or discharge, as a firearm.

b.	to fail to produce the desired effect; be unsuccessful: He repeated the joke, but it missed fire the second time.

53.

on fire,

a.	ignited; burning; afire.

b.	eager; ardent; zealous: They were on fire to prove themselves in competition.

54.	play with fire, to trifle with a serious or dangerous matter: He didn't realize that insulting the border guards was playing with fire.

55.

set fire to,

a.	to cause to burn; ignite.

b.	to excite; arouse; inflame: The painting set fire to the composer's imagination.

Also, set on fire.

56.

take fire,

a.	to become ignited; burn.

b.	to become inspired with enthusiasm or zeal: Everyone who heard him speak immediately took fire.

57.

under fire,

a.	under attack, esp. by military forces.

b.	under censure or criticism: The school administration is under fire for its policies.

Origin:
bef. 900; (n.) ME; OE fȳr; c. ON fūrr, G Feuer, Gk pŷr (see pyro- ); (v.) ME firen to kindle, inflame, deriv. of the n.

Related forms:

firer, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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set¹ (sět)

v. set, set·ting, sets

v. tr.

To put in a specified position; place: set a book on a table.
To put into a specified state: set the prisoner at liberty.
1. To put into a stable position: set the fence post into a bed of concrete.
2. To fix firmly or in an immobile manner: He set his jaw and concentrated on flying the plane through the storm.
3. To adjust for proper functioning.
4. To adjust (a saw) by deflecting the teeth.
5. Nautical To spread open to the wind: set the sails.
6. To arrange (type) into words and sentences preparatory to printing; compose.
7. To transpose into type.
8. To compose (music) to fit a given text.
9. To write (words) to fit a given melodic line.
10. To establish as the highest level of performance: set a world aviation record.
11. To establish as a model: A parent must set a good example for the children.
12. To put in a mounting; mount: set an emerald in a pendant.
13. To apply jewels to; stud: a tiara that was set with diamonds.
14. To put (a hen) on eggs for the purpose of hatching them.
15. To put (eggs) beneath a hen or in an incubator.
16. To value or regard something at the rate of: She sets a great deal by good nutrition.
17. To fix at a given amount: The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.
18. To make as an estimate of worth: We set a high value on human life.
19. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
20. To fix (a hook) firmly into a fish's jaw.
To restore to a proper and normal state when dislocated or broken: set a broken arm.
1. To adjust for proper functioning.
2. To adjust (a saw) by deflecting the teeth.
3. Nautical To spread open to the wind: set the sails.
4. To arrange (type) into words and sentences preparatory to printing; compose.
5. To transpose into type.
6. To compose (music) to fit a given text.
7. To write (words) to fit a given melodic line.
8. To establish as the highest level of performance: set a world aviation record.
9. To establish as a model: A parent must set a good example for the children.
10. To put in a mounting; mount: set an emerald in a pendant.
11. To apply jewels to; stud: a tiara that was set with diamonds.
12. To put (a hen) on eggs for the purpose of hatching them.
13. To put (eggs) beneath a hen or in an incubator.
14. To value or regard something at the rate of: She sets a great deal by good nutrition.
15. To fix at a given amount: The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.
16. To make as an estimate of worth: We set a high value on human life.
17. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
18. To fix (a hook) firmly into a fish's jaw.
To adjust according to a standard.
To adjust (an instrument or device) to a specific point or calibration: set an alarm clock.
To arrange properly for use: set a place for a dinner guest; set a table.
To apply equipment, such as curlers and clips, to (hair) in order to style.
Printing
1. To arrange (type) into words and sentences preparatory to printing; compose.
2. To transpose into type.
3. To compose (music) to fit a given text.
4. To write (words) to fit a given melodic line.
5. To establish as the highest level of performance: set a world aviation record.
6. To establish as a model: A parent must set a good example for the children.
7. To put in a mounting; mount: set an emerald in a pendant.
8. To apply jewels to; stud: a tiara that was set with diamonds.
9. To put (a hen) on eggs for the purpose of hatching them.
10. To put (eggs) beneath a hen or in an incubator.
11. To value or regard something at the rate of: She sets a great deal by good nutrition.
12. To fix at a given amount: The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.
13. To make as an estimate of worth: We set a high value on human life.
14. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
15. To fix (a hook) firmly into a fish's jaw.
Music
1. To compose (music) to fit a given text.
2. To write (words) to fit a given melodic line.
3. To establish as the highest level of performance: set a world aviation record.
4. To establish as a model: A parent must set a good example for the children.
5. To put in a mounting; mount: set an emerald in a pendant.
6. To apply jewels to; stud: a tiara that was set with diamonds.
7. To put (a hen) on eggs for the purpose of hatching them.
8. To put (eggs) beneath a hen or in an incubator.
9. To value or regard something at the rate of: She sets a great deal by good nutrition.
10. To fix at a given amount: The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.
11. To make as an estimate of worth: We set a high value on human life.
12. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
13. To fix (a hook) firmly into a fish's jaw.
To arrange scenery on (a theater stage).
To prescribe the unfolding of (a drama or narrative, for instance) in a specific place: a play that is set in Venice.
To prescribe or establish: set a precedent.
To prescribe as a time for: set June 6 as the day of the invasion.
To detail or assign (someone) to a particular duty, service, or station: set the child to cleaning the closets; set guards around the perimeter.
To incite to hostile action: a war that set families against one another.
1. To establish as the highest level of performance: set a world aviation record.
2. To establish as a model: A parent must set a good example for the children.
3. To put in a mounting; mount: set an emerald in a pendant.
4. To apply jewels to; stud: a tiara that was set with diamonds.
5. To put (a hen) on eggs for the purpose of hatching them.
6. To put (eggs) beneath a hen or in an incubator.
7. To value or regard something at the rate of: She sets a great deal by good nutrition.
8. To fix at a given amount: The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.
9. To make as an estimate of worth: We set a high value on human life.
10. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
11. To fix (a hook) firmly into a fish's jaw.
1. To put in a mounting; mount: set an emerald in a pendant.
2. To apply jewels to; stud: a tiara that was set with diamonds.
3. To put (a hen) on eggs for the purpose of hatching them.
4. To put (eggs) beneath a hen or in an incubator.
5. To value or regard something at the rate of: She sets a great deal by good nutrition.
6. To fix at a given amount: The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.
7. To make as an estimate of worth: We set a high value on human life.
8. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
9. To fix (a hook) firmly into a fish's jaw.
To cause to sit.
1. To put (a hen) on eggs for the purpose of hatching them.
2. To put (eggs) beneath a hen or in an incubator.
3. To value or regard something at the rate of: She sets a great deal by good nutrition.
4. To fix at a given amount: The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.
5. To make as an estimate of worth: We set a high value on human life.
6. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
7. To fix (a hook) firmly into a fish's jaw.
Sports To position (oneself) in such a way as to be ready to start running a race.
Sports To pass (a volleyball), usually with the fingertips, in an arc close to the net so that a teammate can drive it over the net.
1. To value or regard something at the rate of: She sets a great deal by good nutrition.
2. To fix at a given amount: The judge set bail for the defendant at $50,000.
3. To make as an estimate of worth: We set a high value on human life.
4. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
5. To fix (a hook) firmly into a fish's jaw.
To point to the location of (game) by holding a fixed attitude. Used of a hunting dog.
Botany To produce, as after pollination: set seed.
1. To prepare (a trap) for catching prey.
2. To fix (a hook) firmly into a fish's jaw.

v. intr.

To disappear below the horizon: The sun set at seven that evening.
To diminish or decline; wane.
To sit on eggs. Used of fowl.
1. To become fixed; harden. See Synonyms at coagulate.
2. To become permanent. Used of dye.
To become whole; knit. Used of a broken bone.
Botany To mature or develop, as after pollination.
Nonstandard To sit: "If Emmett drives, I could set up front" (Bobbie Ann Mason).
To position oneself preparatory to an action, such as running a race.

adj.

Fixed or established by agreement: a set time for the launching.
Established by convention: followed set procedures for filing a grievance.
Established deliberately; intentional: Our set purpose is to win the conflict.
Fixed and rigid: "His bearded face already has a set, hollow look" (Conor Cruise O'Brien).
Unwilling or very reluctant to change: He is set in his ways.
1. Intent and determined: "He is dead set against rushing abroad to build a plant" (Fortune).
2. Ready: We are set to leave early tomorrow morning.

1. The act or process of setting.
2. The condition resulting from setting.
3. The carriage or bearing of a part of the body.
4. A particular psychological state, usually that of anticipation or preparedness: "The mental set of an audience is crucial to his performance" (Psychology Today).
5. To regard; consider: Just set him down as a sneak.
6. To assign to a cause; attribute: Let's set the error down to inexperience.
7. To give rise to; cause to occur: set off a chemical reaction.
8. To cause to explode: set off a bomb.
9. To make suddenly or demonstrably angry: The clerk's indifference finally set me off.
10. To elevate; raise.
11. To raise in authority or power; invest with power: They set the general up as a dictator.
12. To put (oneself) forward as; claim to be: He has set himself up as an authority on the English language.
13. To assemble and erect: set up a new machine.
14. To treat (someone) to drinks.
15. To pay for (drinks).
The manner in which something is positioned: the set of her cap.
A permanent firming or hardening of a substance, as by cooling.
The deflection of the teeth of a saw.
1. The carriage or bearing of a part of the body.
2. A particular psychological state, usually that of anticipation or preparedness: "The mental set of an audience is crucial to his performance" (Psychology Today).
3. To regard; consider: Just set him down as a sneak.
4. To assign to a cause; attribute: Let's set the error down to inexperience.
5. To give rise to; cause to occur: set off a chemical reaction.
6. To cause to explode: set off a bomb.
7. To make suddenly or demonstrably angry: The clerk's indifference finally set me off.
8. To elevate; raise.
9. To raise in authority or power; invest with power: They set the general up as a dictator.
10. To put (oneself) forward as; claim to be: He has set himself up as an authority on the English language.
11. To assemble and erect: set up a new machine.
12. To treat (someone) to drinks.
13. To pay for (drinks).
A descent below the horizon.
The direction or course of wind or water.
A seedling, slip, or cutting that is ready for planting.
The act of arranging hair by waving and curling it.
Sports The act of setting a volleyball for a teammate.
To reserve for a specific use.
To make noticeable: character traits that set her apart.
To separate and reserve for a special purpose.
To discard or reject.
To declare invalid; annul or overrule: The court has set aside the conviction.
To slow down the progress of; hinder.
Informal To cost: That coat set me back $1,000.
To cause to sit; seat: Set the baby down here.
To put in writing; record: We set down the facts.
1. To regard; consider: Just set him down as a sneak.
2. To assign to a cause; attribute: Let's set the error down to inexperience.
3. To give rise to; cause to occur: set off a chemical reaction.
4. To cause to explode: set off a bomb.
5. To make suddenly or demonstrably angry: The clerk's indifference finally set me off.
6. To elevate; raise.
7. To raise in authority or power; invest with power: They set the general up as a dictator.
8. To put (oneself) forward as; claim to be: He has set himself up as an authority on the English language.
9. To assemble and erect: set up a new machine.
10. To treat (someone) to drinks.
11. To pay for (drinks).
To land (an aircraft): The pilot set the plane down hard.
Baseball To put out (a batter); retire. Used of a pitcher.
To present for consideration; propose: set forth a sound plan.
To express in words: She has set forth her ideas.
To insert: set in the sleeve of a gown.
To begin to happen or be apparent: "Evening was setting in as I took the road over Mountain Top" (Charles Siebert).
To move toward the shore. Used of wind or water.
1. To give rise to; cause to occur: set off a chemical reaction.
2. To cause to explode: set off a bomb.
3. To make suddenly or demonstrably angry: The clerk's indifference finally set me off.
4. To elevate; raise.
5. To raise in authority or power; invest with power: They set the general up as a dictator.
6. To put (oneself) forward as; claim to be: He has set himself up as an authority on the English language.
7. To assemble and erect: set up a new machine.
8. To treat (someone) to drinks.
9. To pay for (drinks).
To indicate as being different; distinguish: features setting him off from the crowd.
To direct attention to by contrast; accentuate: set off a passage with italics.
To counterbalance, counteract, or compensate for: Our dismay at her leaving was set off by our knowing that she was happy.
To start on a journey: set off for Europe.
To begin an earnest attempt; undertake: He set out to understand why the plan had failed.
To lay out systematically or graphically: set out a terrace.
To display for exhibition or sale.
To plant: set out seedlings.
To start a journey: She set out at dawn for town.
To begin working energetically; start in.
To begin fighting.
To place in an upright position.
1. To elevate; raise.
2. To raise in authority or power; invest with power: They set the general up as a dictator.
3. To put (oneself) forward as; claim to be: He has set himself up as an authority on the English language.
4. To assemble and erect: set up a new machine.
5. To treat (someone) to drinks.
6. To pay for (drinks).
To establish; found: set up a charity.
To cause: They set up howls of protest over new taxes.
To establish in business by providing capital, equipment, or other backing.
Informal
1. To treat (someone) to drinks.
2. To pay for (drinks).
Informal To stimulate or exhilarate: a victory that really set the team up.
To lay plans for: set up a kidnapping.
Informal To put (someone else) into a compromising situation by deceit or trickery: Swindlers have set me up.
Sports To make a pass to (a teammate), creating a scoring opportunity.

Phrasal Verb(s):
set aboutTo begin or start: set about solving the problem.
set apart

To reserve for a specific use.
To make noticeable: character traits that set her apart.

set aside

To separate and reserve for a special purpose.
To discard or reject.
To declare invalid; annul or overrule: The court has set aside the conviction.

set atTo attack or assail: The dogs set at the fox.
set back

To slow down the progress of; hinder.
Informal To cost: That coat set me back $1,000.

set byTo reserve for future use: It is wise to set food and money by in case of a future emergency.
set down

To cause to sit; seat: Set the baby down here.
To put in writing; record: We set down the facts.
1. To regard; consider: Just set him down as a sneak.
2. To assign to a cause; attribute: Let's set the error down to inexperience.
To land (an aircraft): The pilot set the plane down hard.
Baseball To put out (a batter); retire. Used of a pitcher.

set forth

To present for consideration; propose: set forth a sound plan.
To express in words: She has set forth her ideas.

set forwardTo begin a journey.
set in

To insert: set in the sleeve of a gown.
To begin to happen or be apparent: "Evening was setting in as I took the road over Mountain Top" (Charles Siebert).
To move toward the shore. Used of wind or water.

set off

1. To give rise to; cause to occur: set off a chemical reaction.
2. To cause to explode: set off a bomb.
3. To make suddenly or demonstrably angry: The clerk's indifference finally set me off.
To indicate as being different; distinguish: features setting him off from the crowd.
To direct attention to by contrast; accentuate: set off a passage with italics.
To counterbalance, counteract, or compensate for: Our dismay at her leaving was set off by our knowing that she was happy.
To start on a journey: set off for Europe.

set out

To begin an earnest attempt; undertake: He set out to understand why the plan had failed.
To lay out systematically or graphically: set out a terrace.
To display for exhibition or sale.
To plant: set out seedlings.
To start a journey: She set out at dawn for town.

set to

To begin working energetically; start in.
To begin fighting.

set up

To place in an upright position.
1. To elevate; raise.
2. To raise in authority or power; invest with power: They set the general up as a dictator.
3. To put (oneself) forward as; claim to be: He has set himself up as an authority on the English language.
4. To assemble and erect: set up a new machine.
5. To treat (someone) to drinks.
6. To pay for (drinks).
To establish; found: set up a charity.
To cause: They set up howls of protest over new taxes.
To establish in business by providing capital, equipment, or other backing.
Informal
1. To treat (someone) to drinks.
2. To pay for (drinks).
Informal To stimulate or exhilarate: a victory that really set the team up.
To lay plans for: set up a kidnapping.
Informal To put (someone else) into a compromising situation by deceit or trickery: Swindlers have set me up.
Sports To make a pass to (a teammate), creating a scoring opportunity.

set uponTo attack violently: Guards set dogs upon the escaping prisoners.

Idiom(s):
set fire toTo cause to ignite and burn.

Idiom(s):
set foot inTo enter.

Idiom(s):
set foot onTo step on.

Idiom(s):
set in motionTo give impetus to: The indictment set the judicial process in motion.

Idiom(s):
set (one's) heart onTo be determined to do something.

Idiom(s):
set (one's) sights onTo have as a goal: She set her sights on medical school.

Idiom(s):
set on fire

To cause to ignite and burn.
To cause to become excited: The music set the audience on fire.

Idiom(s):
set sail Nautical To begin a voyage on water.

Idiom(s):
set (someone) straightTo correct (someone) by providing full and accurate information.

Idiom(s):
set store byTo regard as valuable or worthwhile.

Idiom(s):
set the pace

To go at a speed that other competitors attempt to match or surpass.
To behave or perform in a way that others try to emulate.

Idiom(s):
set the stage forTo provide the underlying basis for: saber rattling that set the stage for war.

Idiom(s):
set up housekeepingTo establish a household.

Idiom(s):
set up shopTo establish one's business operations.

[Middle English setten, from Old English settan; see sed- in Indo-European roots.]

Usage Note: Originally set meant "to cause (something) to sit," so that it is now in most cases a transitive verb: She sets the book on the table. He sets the table. Sit is generally an intransitive verb: He sits at the table. There are some exceptions: The sun sets (not sits). A hen sets (or sits) on her eggs.

Word Origin & History

fire (n.)

O.E. fyr, from P.Gmc. *fuir (cf. O.Fris. fiur, O.N. fürr, M.Du. vuur, Ger. Feuer), from PIE *perjos, from root *paewr- (cf. Armenian hur "fire, torch," Czech pyr "hot ashes," Gk. pyr, Umbrian pir, Skt. pu, Hittite pahhur "fire"). Current spelling is attested as early as 1200, but did not fully displace M.E. fier (preserved in fiery) until c.1600. PIE apparently had two roots for fire: *paewr- and *egni- (cf. L. ignis). The former was "inanimate," referring to fire as a substance, and the latter was "animate," referring to it as a living force (see water). Fire applied in Eng. to passions, feelings, from c.1340. The v. sense of "sack, dismiss" is first recorded 1885 in Amer.Eng., probably from a play on the two meanings of discharge: "to dismiss from a position," and "to fire a gun," the second sense being from "set fire to gunpowder," attested from 1530. The first use of fireman as "person hired to put out (rather than tend) fires" is 1714. Firecracker is Amer.Eng. coinage for what is in England just cracker, but the U.S. word distinguishes it from the word meaning "biscuit." Firebrand "one who kindles mischief or passions" is from 1382. Firefly is attested from 1658. Fired up "angry" is from 1824. To play with fire "risk disaster" is from 1887; phrase where's the fire? "what's the hurry?" first recorded 1924.

Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: ²fire
Function: verb
Inflected Forms: fired; fir·ing
transitive senses
1 : to cause to transmit a nerveimpulse
2 : to sear (the leg of a horse) with a hot iron in order to convert a crippling chronic inflammation into an acute inflammation that will stimulate the natural healingresponses of the body fire intransitive senses
: to transmit a nerve impulse fires>

Medical Dictionary

fire (fīr)
v. fired, fir·ing, fires
To generate an electrical impulse. Used of a neuron.

Idioms & Phrases

set fire to

see set on fire.

Search another word or see set fire to on Thesaurus | Reference

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