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Definitions

catch fire

VERB
combust
Synonyms




Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

England, who are yet to catch fire at the tournament, named an unchanged side for the fourth consecutive match.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

Should the Americans suddenly catch fire, they could even begin to dream about the all-time winter record of 16 golds, set by Norway at the last Olympics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

The U.S. jobs market took a sharp turn for the worse in 2025, and it doesn’t look like hiring will catch fire in the new year.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 20, 2025

Vapes contain lithium-ion batteries, which can catch fire when crushed in bin lorries or at recycling centres.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2025

Sarah leveled such a glare at the pair of them I thought their hair would catch fire.

From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson