Definition

Noun: 1. A large, destructive fire that spreads quickly over an area of vegetation, such as a forest or grassland, and is difficult to control. This is the primary modern meaning. 2. (Historical) A highly flammable substance, such as Greek fire, used in ancient warfare. 3. (Figurative) Something that spreads with great speed and intensity. This meaning is almost exclusively used in the idiom "to spread like wildfire."

Usage Examples

• Noun (Literal):
  • The wildfire consumed thousands of acres of woodland before firefighters could contain it.
  • Dry conditions and strong winds created the perfect environment for a wildfire to start.
• Noun (Figurative/Idiomatic):
  • News of the celebrity's engagement spread like wildfire across social media.
  • Panic spread through the crowd like wildfire.

Advanced Usage

• "to spread like wildfire": This is the most common figurative usage. It describes how information, rumors, emotions, or trends propagate extremely rapidly and uncontrollably.
  • The funny video went viral, spreading like wildfire across the internet.
• "wildfire season": A period, often in hot, dry climates, when conditions are most conducive to the outbreak and spread of wildfires.
  • California typically experiences its most severe wildfire season in the late summer and fall.

Variants and Related Words

• Wildland fire: A more technical term often used interchangeably with "wildfire," especially by fire management professionals.
• Brushfire / Bushfire: A type of wildfire that burns in scrubland, bushes, or low-growing vegetation.
• Forest fire: A wildfire that occurs specifically in a forested area.

Synonyms

• Conflagration (a large, destructive fire).
• Inferno (a large, intensely hot fire).
• Blaze (a strong, bright fire).

Related Phrases

• To fight a wildfire: The act of attempting to control and extinguish a wildfire.
• Wildfire containment: The point at which firefighters have control over a wildfire's spread.

Related Idioms

• "To spread like wildfire": As detailed above, this is the core idiomatic expression for the word.

Noun

1. a raging and rapidly spreading conflagration