set on fire

1. Cause to become excited, as in The music set the audience on fire . Also see catch fire ; set the world on fire .

2. Also, set fire to . Cause to ignite and burn, as in The drought and high wind combined to set the woods on fire . [c. 1400]

Example Sentences

Shops were looted, cars damaged and a library was set on fire.

From BBC

“No one deserves the fate of being executed and then set on fire in the middle of the desert in a desperate attempt by a killer to cover up his crimes.”

From Los Angeles Times

In Echo Park, a Metro bus was set on fire.

From Los Angeles Times

Two ballot drop boxes were set on fire early in Portland, Ore., and Vancouver, Wash., on Monday morning, destroying hundreds of ballots, according to officials.

From Los Angeles Times

Authorities are investigating after two ballot boxes were set on fire in Washington and Oregon early Monday morning, The Oregonian reported.

From Salon

Related Words

• bake
• boil
• broil
• grill
• ignite
• melt
• reheat
• roast
• sear
• steam
• thaw
• toast
• warm