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wildfire — an uncontrolled fire that spreads rapidly over woodland or brush

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: an uncontrolled fire that spreads rapidly over woodland or brush

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈwaɪldˌfaɪər/

Example Sentences

  • The gossip about the teacher's secret marriage spread like wildfire during lunch break.
  • Firefighters worked day and night to control the massive wildfire threatening the town.
  • His terrible dad jokes spread like wildfire at the family reunion, making everyone groan.

wildfire

NOUN

[/ˈwaɪldˌfaɪər/]

an uncontrolled fire that spreads rapidly over woodland or brush

an uncontrolled fire that spreads rapidly over woodland or brush
💡 Concept

an uncontrolled fire that spreads rapidly over woodland or brush

The wildfire may require courage, but heroes inspire!
🎵 Rhyme

The wildfire may require courage, but heroes inspire!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈwaɪldˌfaɪər/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈwaɪldˌfaɪə(r)/

🌳Etymology

Rootwild + fire

Origin

The word emerged in the 16th century from a compound of Old English 'wild' (uncontrolled, occurring in nature) and 'fire' (flame). It originally referred to uncontrolled fires burning in natural environments, particularly in forests and grasslands.

Breakdown

wild (uncontrolled, natural) + fire (flame, combustion) = an uncontrolled fire burning in natural areas.

🎵Rhyme

desire
inspire
require
admire

🔗Collocations

spread like wildfire
contain a wildfire
wildfire season
fight wildfires
wildfire damage
prevent wildfires

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The gossip about the teacher's secret marriage spread like wildfire during lunch break.”

“Firefighters worked day and night to control the massive wildfire threatening the town.”

😄 Fun example

“His terrible dad jokes spread like wildfire at the family reunion, making everyone groan.”

“Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of wildfires worldwide.”

📚Related Words

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