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fire off

B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To quickly send a message or letter, often with strong feelings, or to shoot something rapidly.

Literal meaning: To discharge a gun or launch a projectile.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To send a letter, email, or message quickly, often with urgency or strong emotion.

"She fired off an angry email to the customer service team as soon as she got home."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 neutral

To shoot a weapon or launch a projectile.

"The artillery unit fired off several rounds before the ceasefire was announced."

Grammar: separable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

To ask a rapid series of questions.

"The journalists fired off question after question before the politician could answer."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

In the communication sense, often implies the message is written and sent quickly, sometimes in anger or frustration ('fire off an angry email'). In the literal sense, refers to discharging weapons or launching rockets. Both senses convey speed and intensity.

Commonly used with

email letter complaint question missile shot

Forms

Base
fire off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fires off
he/she/it
Past simple
fired off
yesterday
Past participle
fired off
have + pp
-ing form
firing off
continuous

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