This use means something is burning with fire. It describes a thing or place that has flames on it. It is often used in stories or news about fires.
The house was afire last night.
The dry forest quickly became afire.
Here, afire describes strong feelings. It means someone feels very excited or angry inside. It is used to show a strong emotion like heat inside someone.
He was afire with anger during the fight.
She was afire to start her new job.
This is a more formal or old use describing something that has been caused to catch fire. It often appears in stories or poems about fire or war.
The old ship lay afire after the battle.
Legends say the forest was afire for days.
Used figuratively, afire means full of energy or interest. It describes people or groups who feel very motivated or focused.
The team was afire with determination.
Her mind was afire with new ideas.
This meaning describes things heated until they glow red or orange. It is often used with hot metal or coal to show intense heat.
The metal was afire from the furnace.
The coal lay afire in the fireplace.
As a verb, afire can mean to make a weapon shoot. This is an old or special use, often found in historical or military language.
The soldier afire his gun quickly.
They afire the cannon at the enemy.
Used in literature or speech, afire can describe being full of powerful ideas or feelings that inspire people. It is often used in a poetic way.
Her words left the crowd afire with hope.
The artist was afire with creativity all night.
