DictionaryfireJob dismissal
verb

fire

To dismiss someone from a job.

The manager fires an employee for repeatedly falsifying records.

Etymology

Fire already meant to discharge a gun. The employment sense figuratively extends forceful discharge to removing a person from a job, with the worker imagined as being sent out.

More examples

  • He was fired last month.
  • They cannot fire her without cause.
  • She fears being fired.

Forms

fire · fires · fired · firing