adverb
-
on fire; ablaze
-
intensely interested or passionate
he was afire with enthusiasm for the new plan
Etymology
Origin of afire
Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; see origin at a- 1, fire
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Further back, an immense 1859 storm known as the Carrington Event set afire recording tape at telegraph stations.
From Salon ● Apr. 16, 2025
Then, there is allrounder Glenn Maxwell, who set the tournament afire with two stunning knocks.
From Washington Times ● Nov. 13, 2023
“The jury did not convict Wilke of the two federal counts related to the forest fire: setting timber afire and using fire in furtherance of a felony.”
From New York Times ● Nov. 10, 2021
Capitol since British troops set it afire on Aug. 24, 1814.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 6, 2021
We could see where he had made a campfire, carefully surrounding it with stones and clearing away the brush so he would not set the woods afire.
From "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
