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Definition of afire

afire

/əˈfaɪ.ər/
a · fire
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afire Lexical Profile

afire Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Burning or in flames.

Example

"Within minutes of the lightning strike, the dry timber of the old barn was completely afire."

2

Filled with passionate excitement, enthusiasm, or ardor.

Example

"The young scholars were afire with curiosity after discovering the previously untranslated manuscript."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adverb

1

On fire; into a state of burning.

Example

"The intense summer heat and dry winds easily set the parched brushland afire."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for afire

Word Nuance & Usage

Like other 'a-' prefixed adjectives such as 'ablaze' and 'afloat', 'afire' is used exclusively in the predicate position (e.g., 'the barn was afire') and never directly before a noun.

• Rhymes for afire

• Nearby Words

aficionada
aficionado
afield
afire
afl
aflame
afloat

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as a contraction of the prepositional phrase 'on fire', combining the Old English prefix 'a-' (from 'on') with 'fyr' (fire).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Afire. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/afire
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