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
And, of course, Monday will forever be celebrated for swooping in and rescuing the American flag from two protesters about it to set it afire in the Dodger Stadium outfield.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2023
The last time was for his masterpiece “Mad Max: Fury Road,” which set the festival afire in 2015.
From New York Times • May 23, 2022
“I bet your daddy’s up there with Pa and them,” she whispered from behind the palm-frond fan she was fluttering like a house afire.
From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns
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.
