noun
wildfire
WYLD-fy
noun
1
A large, fast-moving, uncontrolled fire, especially one burning through forest or grassland.
"The wildfire forced thousands of residents to evacuate."
2
Anything, such as news or a rumour, that spreads extremely fast and is hard to stop.
"The rumour spread like wildfire across the office by lunchtime."
How to Use Wildfire
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn out-of-control fire, or figuratively, something that spreads extremely fast.
Common pairings
spread like wildfire
wildfire season
raging wildfire
Word Forms
wildfires plural
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The _____ forced thousands of residents to evacuate.
Etymology
From Old English wilde fȳr, literally "wild fire," originally also referring to a fierce ancient incendiary weapon.