firing
fir-ing · noun/verb
Definitions
noun/verb
- 1.
The act of dismissing someone from a job.
- 2.
Discharging a weapon or dismissing from employment.
- 3.
The discharge of a gun or other weapon.
- 4.
The process of heating ceramics in a kiln to harden them.
Phrases & expressions
- •firing squad — a group of soldiers assigned to shoot a condemned person
- •firing line — the front line of battle; a position of direct confrontation
- •firing on all cylinders — working at full capacity
Related words
Etymology
Present participle of fire, from Old English fȳr. The employment sense developed in American English in the 19th century.