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Wildfire - 英语词汇详解 (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：wildfire (Wildfire)
Wildfire
/ˈwaɪldfaɪər/
n.
A large, uncontrolled fire that spreads quickly in a forest or grassland.
wildfire
➕
/ˈwaɪldfaɪər/
n.
A large, uncontrolled fire that spreads rapidly through vegetation such as forests, grasslands, or bush.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Compound of 'wild' (untamed) + 'fire', referring to an uncontrolled blaze in nature.
💡 Mnemonic
Picture a 'wild' 'fire' racing through dry forest—that's how fast a rumor can travel.
📖 Example
During our trip to Australia, we could see smoke from a wildfire on a distant mountain.
During our trip to Australia, we could see smoke from a wildfire on a distant mountain.
🔗 Collocations
wildfire suppression – the act of controlling or putting out a wildfire
wildfire season – the period of year when wildfires are most likely to occur
🔄 Synonyms
bushfire (n.) – especially in Australia, a wildfire in bushland
forest fire (n.) – a wildfire occurring in a wooded area
🚫 Antonyms
controlled burn (n.) – a deliberately set fire to reduce flammable material
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'wildfire' is from Old English 'wilde fyr'. It became a metaphor for rapid spread in the 1800s, often in phrases like 'spread like wildfire' for viral news or rumors.
Meaning 2：wildfire (fig.) (Wildfire)
Wildfire
/ˈwaɪldfaɪər/
n.
Used to describe something that spreads very fast, like news or an idea.
wildfire (fig.)
➕
/ˈwaɪldfaɪər (fɪɡ)/
n.
Used to describe something that spreads extremely quickly, like news, gossip, or an idea.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The good news about the company's success spread through the office like wildfire, making everyone happy.
The good news about the company's success spread through the office like wildfire, making everyone happy.
🔗 Collocations
spread like wildfire – to spread or circulate very quickly
wildfire rumor – a rumor that spreads extremely fast
🔄 Synonyms
rapid spread (n.) – very fast dissemination
viral (adj.) – spreading rapidly like a virus
🚫 Antonyms
slow leak (n.) – information that spreads gradually
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