burn

burn · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To be on fire; to be consumed by flames.

  2. 2.

    To damage or injure by fire or heat.

  3. 3.

    To use fuel to produce energy or light.

  4. 4.

    [informal]To feel intense emotion.

  5. 5.

    [slang]To insult or criticize sharply.

  6. 6.

    An injury caused by fire, heat, or chemicals.

  7. 7.

    [Scottish]A small stream.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    burn the midnight oil — To work late into the night.
  • •
    burn bridges — To destroy relationships or opportunities.
  • •
    slow burn — Gradual anger or a film/story that builds slowly.
  • •
    crash and burn — To fail spectacularly.

Related words

Antonyms: extinguish, freeze
See also: burned, burning, burnt, fire
Synonyms: ignite, incinerate, scorch, singe

Etymology

From Old English "beornan" (to be on fire) and "bærnan" (to cause to burn), from Proto-Germanic "*brinnaną."