bonfire
/'bɔn,faiə/
Definition
- Noun:
- A large outdoor fire that is lighted as a signal or in celebration: A "bonfire" is a large, controlled fire built outdoors, often for a communal event, celebration, or as a beacon.
- A large fire for burning rubbish or as part of a celebration: Historically and in some contexts, it can also refer to a large fire for burning waste or debris, especially in a ceremonial or seasonal context.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- We gathered around the bonfire to tell stories and sing songs.
- The villagers lit a bonfire on the hill to signal the ship.
- After cleaning the garden, we made a bonfire of the dead leaves and branches.
Advanced Usage
- "To make a bonfire of something": To burn something, often publicly or ceremonially, sometimes to express rejection or celebration.
- Protesters made a bonfire of the unpopular books.
- "Bonfire Night": A specific reference to Guy Fawkes Night in the UK (November 5th), celebrated with fireworks and bonfires.
- We're going to watch the fireworks display on Bonfire Night.
Variants and Related Words
- Bonfire of the vanities: A historical or metaphorical reference to the burning of objects deemed sinful or vain, originating from a 15th-century event in Florence.
- The sermon warned against a modern-day bonfire of the vanities.
Synonyms
- Blaze: A very large, strong fire.
- Beacon fire: A fire lit as a signal.
- Pyre: A heap of combustible material, especially one for burning a corpse (note: "pyre" has a more specific, solemn connotation).
Related Phrases
- To build a bonfire: To construct a large outdoor fire.
- The scouts worked together to build a bonfire for the evening.
- Bonfire party: A social gathering centered around a bonfire.
- The beach bonfire party was the highlight of the summer.
Related Idioms
- "Fuel to the fire" / "Add fuel to the bonfire": To make a bad situation worse; to intensify an argument or conflict.
- His critical comments just added fuel to the bonfire of their disagreement.
Noun
-
a large outdoor fire that is lighted as a signal or in celebration
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