What are the definitions of “fire up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Start a computer.
She FIRED UP the computer and printed out a hard copy of the files.
- 2Excite, become excited.
Everyone was FIRED UP and desperate to get it finished in time.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fire up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fire up is to start a machine, especially a computer or an engine. It can also mean to become excited or to make someone else excited about something.
What are the different verb forms of “fire up”?
| Root Verb | fire up |
| Third Person Singular Present | fires up |
| Present Participle | firing up |
| Simple Past | fired up |
| Past Participle | fired up |
Example
I always fire up my computer in the morning.
Example
She fires up her laptop before starting work.
Example
He is firing up the car engine before leaving.
Example
Yesterday, they fired up the grill for a barbecue.
Example
The engine was fired up and ready to go.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fire up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“fire up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She fired up the computer.
Example
He fired up the crowd with his speech.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“fire up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She fired up the computer.
Example
He fired up the crowd with his speech.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fire up”?
Fire up a conversation
Start a conversation or discussion.
Example
He fired up a conversation with the stranger sitting next to him.
Good things to know
Does “fire up” have an informal or formal tone?
Fire up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'start,' 'initiate,' or 'excite' may be more appropriate.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “fire up”?
Synonyms
Antonyms
- soothe
- quench
- extinguish
- dampen
- discourage
- calm down
- turn off
- shut down
