Open fire Meaning in English
expression
ˈoʊpən/ /ˈfaɪɝ/, /ˈfaɪɹ
OH-puhn FY-er
ˈəʊpən/ /fˈaɪə
OH-puhn FY-uh
Definition
To begin shooting a weapon, especially guns, at people or targets. It can also refer to starting to use force in a conflict.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and military expression. Most common in news, historical, or police contexts. Not used for starting a campfire or cooking (different meaning). Usually refers to guns, not other weapons.
Spanish: abrir fuegoPortuguese (BR): abrir fogoPortuguese (PT): abrir fogoChinese (Simplified): 开火Chinese (Traditional): 開火Hindi: फायर करनाArabic: يُطلق النارBengali: গুলি চালানো - গুলি করাRussian: открыть огоньJapanese: 発砲するVietnamese: nổ súngKorean: 사격을 시작하다 - 발포하다Turkish: ateş açmakUrdu: فائرنگ شروع کرناIndonesian: melepaskan tembakan - menembak
Example Sentences
The soldiers were ordered to open fire.
basic
Do not open fire unless necessary.
basic
The police did not open fire during the protest.
basic
As soon as they saw movement, the guards opened fire.
natural
If you open fire now, things could get much worse.
natural
Nobody was hurt when the officers opened fire on the suspect’s car.
natural