fire
UK: ˈfaɪə | US: ˈfaɪər
n. the state of burning, producing flames and heat
n. a destructive burning of something (e.g., a building)
vt. to discharge a weapon or projectile
vt. to dismiss someone from a job
vi. to become ignited or excited
The word "fire" traces back to Old English fȳr, derived from Proto-Germanic fōr (compare Dutch vuur, German Feuer). Its deeper Proto-Indo-European root is péh₂wr̥, meaning "fire," shared with Greek pyr (as in "pyrotechnics") and Hittite paḫḫur. The word has retained its core meaning of combustion while expanding metaphorically (e.g., "firing" a gun or employee).
The campfire kept us warm throughout the night.
The factory was destroyed in a massive fire.
The soldier fired three shots at the target.
The manager decided to fire the underperforming employee.
Her speech fired up the crowd with enthusiasm.