fire extinguisher

noun

1. a portable container, usually filled with special chemicals for putting out a fire.

fire-extinguisher

noun

1. a portable device for extinguishing fires, usually consisting of a canister with a directional nozzle used to direct a spray of water, chemically generated foam, inert gas, or fine powder onto the fire

Word History and Origins

Origin of fire extinguisher¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Baking soda can be used in place of an extinguisher on a small fire, but a fire extinguisher is really the best thing to use.

From Washington Post

Dozens of officers were wounded, including some who were struck with a fire extinguisher and another who was dragged down a set of steps and attacked by the crowd.

From Washington Post

Others were hitting them from below, armed with metal poles ripped from scaffolding, wooden 2-by-4 boards, bats, sledgehammers, table legs and 50-pound fire extinguishers.

From Washington Post

A Capitol Police officer was struck in the helmet by a fire extinguisher, evaluated at a hospital and cleared to return to duty.

From Washington Post

While some news reports had said an unnamed officer was in critical condition after being bludgeoned with a fire extinguisher, family members did not have details of his injuries.

From ProPublica

One security guard reported that the fire extinguisher failed to work when he tried to douse the flames.

From The Daily Beast

Cuccinelli helped the driver out of the cab of the truck and then went in search of a fire extinguisher.

From The Daily Beast

Tupac was 17 or 18 years old when he stopped me from hitting this guy over the head with a fire extinguisher.

From The Daily Beast

The cutting contempt of Mrs. James W. Colton's remark was fire-extinguisher sufficient for that night.

From Project Gutenberg

The fire extinguisher has been developing ever since man learned to fear fire.

From Project Gutenberg

"Golly," said Ben Ruby, seizing a fire extinguisher from the wall and turning it on the blaze.

From Project Gutenberg

Tell me, do you know where the nearest fire extinguisher is fastened; I remember seeing some around the grounds here?

From Project Gutenberg

The value of a fire extinguisher depends upon the amount of carbon dioxide and water which it can furnish.

From Project Gutenberg