catch fire

phrase

Synonyms of catch firenext
1
: to become ignited
2
: to become fired with enthusiasm
3
: to increase greatly in scope, popularity, interest, or effectiveness
The idea failed to catch fire.

Examples of catch fire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Combined with low humidity, the dry vegetation is catching fire more easily and supported the Norte fire’s rapid spread early on. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 Sutter County Fire said the vehicle rolled about 10 feet down an embankment and caught fire with the driver trapped inside. — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Display cabinets peaked at 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) for around six hours overnight Monday, with some even catching fire. — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 By the time the mass compromise was discovered, food was spoiled, and in some cases their electrical systems caught fire. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catch fire

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of catch fire was in the 15th century

Rhymes for catch fire

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Browse Nearby Words

catcher pouch
catch fire
catchfly
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Cite this Entry

“Catch fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catch%20fire. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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