firefighter
UK: ˈfaɪəfaɪtə | US: ˈfaɪərfaɪtər
n. a person whose job is to extinguish fires and rescue people from dangerous situations
n. (figuratively) someone who actively works to solve urgent problems
The word "firefighter" is a transparent compound formed in Modern English (19th century), combining "fire" (Old English fȳr, from Proto-Germanic fōr) and "fighter" (agent noun from Old English feohtan "to fight"). It replaced earlier terms like "fireman" (still used but increasingly gender-neutralized) by emphasizing active combat against fires rather than just being associated with fire-related work. The morphemes preserve their original meanings literally: one who "fights fire."
The firefighter bravely entered the burning building to save trapped residents.
Modern firefighters undergo rigorous training in emergency medical care.
She became the first female firefighter in her city's history.
Volunteers worked alongside professional firefighters to control the wildfire.
His quick thinking earned him recognition as Firefighter of the Year.