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catch fire

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌkætʃ ˈfaɪr/ · UK /ˌkætʃ ˈfaɪə/

catch fire means: Begin to burn with flames.

verb

START BURNINGB1

Begin to burn with flames.

  • Dry leaves catch fire easily.
  • The car caught fire after the crash.
  • Has anything caught fire in the kitchen?

Similar words: ignite, burst into flames

Common phrases: catch fire easily, catch fire suddenly

BECOME POPULARC1

Become popular or spread quickly among many people.

  • The idea soon caught fire.
  • Her song caught fire online after a famous actor shared it.
  • The campaign never really caught fire with voters.

How to use it: catch fire with someone (The new dance caught fire with teenagers.)

Similar words: take off, catch on

Common phrases: catch fire online, catch fire worldwide

FEEL INSPIREDC2

Become filled with strong excitement, interest, or desire to do something.

  • Her imagination caught fire.
  • As he spoke, the crowd caught fire with enthusiasm.
  • Their hearts caught fire at the thought of freedom.

Similar words: become inspired, become excited

Common phrases: catch fire again, catch fire with enthusiasm

Questions about catch fire

What does catch fire mean?

Begin to burn with flames.

What is catch fire in other languages?

Türkçe: tutuşmak · Español: prenderse fuego · Français: prendre feu · Deutsch: Feuer fangen · Italiano: prendere fuoco · 日本語: 火がつく

How do you pronounce catch fire?

In American English /ˌkætʃ ˈfaɪr/; in British English /ˌkætʃ ˈfaɪə/.

How do you use catch fire in a sentence?

Dry leaves catch fire easily. The car caught fire after the crash.

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catch fire in other languages

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