catch on fire
Suddenly start burning
To catch on fire is to ignite, to begin burning: The curtains caught on fire from a candle.
The phrase emphasizes the sudden or accidental nature of combustion—things catch on fire when flames spread to them unexpectedly.
Some consider catch fire more elegant, but both forms are standard.
Visible burning combustion
- burningCombustion in progress
- igniteStart burning something
- kindleStart a blaze
- sparkTiny fiery particle
combust · smolder · flare · torch · incinerate · conflagration · inferno · engulf
Urgent warning signal
- evacuationRemoval from danger
- firefighterEmergency blaze responder
- extinguisherDevice for dousing flames
- sprinklerWater-dispersing lawn fixture
911 · siren · escape · rescue · hazard · smoke detector · stop drop roll · emergency exit
Completely surround and cover
- consumeTake in fully
- rageIntense, violent anger
- wildfireUncontrolled vegetation blaze
- out of controlUnable to be restrained
leap · jump · fan · fuel · accelerate · firestorm · path of destruction · wind-driven
flames
Visible burning combustion
spark · combust · smolder · flare · torch · incinerate · conflagration · inferno · engulf · blaze
scorch
Burn superficially
burn · blister · ash · cinder · smoke · embers · cremate · destruction · ruin · blacken
alarm
Urgent warning signal
- evacuationRemoval from danger
- firefighterEmergency blaze responder
- extinguisherDevice for dousing flames
sprinkler · 911 · siren · escape · rescue · hazard · smoke detector · stop drop roll · emergency exit · burn victim
engulf
Completely surround and cover
out of control · leap · jump · fan · fuel · accelerate · firestorm · path of destruction · wind-driven · flashover