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Brushfire - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A brushfire is a small, uncontrolled fire that burns grass, bushes, or undergrowth. It spreads quickly and is often caused by dry conditions or human activity. These fires can threaten wildlife and property.

brushfire

/ˈbrʌʃˌfaɪər/ /ˈbrʌʃˌfaɪə/

Definition:

A small, uncontrolled fire in grass or brush, often spreading quickly.

Synonyms:

wildfire, grassfire, bushfire

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

flood, downpour

Common Collocations:

spread rapidly, control a brushfire, prevent brushfires

Derivatives:

brushfires (plural), brushfired (rare past tense)

Usage Tips:

Use "brushfire" to describe small, fast-spreading fires in dry vegetation, not large forest fires.

Common Phrases:

brushfire war, brushfire outbreak, fight a brushfire

Etymology:

From "brush" (dense vegetation) + "fire," first recorded in the early 20th century.

Examples:

  • 1. The dry weather caused a brushfire near the highway.
  • 2. Firefighters worked overnight to contain the brushfire before it reached homes.
  • 3. A careless camper sparked a brushfire in the national park.
  • 4. Strong winds made the brushfire spread faster than expected.

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