field of fire: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Military
Quick answer
What does “field of fire” mean?
The area that a weapon or group of weapons can cover effectively with gunfire.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The area that a weapon or group of weapons can cover effectively with gunfire.
The area or range within which something (e.g., criticism, influence, activity) can be directed or is effective.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in American military/political discourse.
Connotations
Identical connotations of a controlled, lethal area.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language, but standard within military contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “field of fire” in a Sentence
The unit cleared a field of fire (for their position).The machine gun had a field of fire covering the valley.He entered the politician's field of fire during the debate.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “field of fire” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The section leader ordered them to field of fire the approach road.
- We need to field of fire that ridge before advancing.
American English
- The platoon leader had them field of fire the likely avenue of attack.
- The position was chosen to field of fire the entire clearing.
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The field-of-fire diagram was marked on the map.
- They conducted a field-of-fire assessment.
American English
- The field-of-fire plan was crucial to the defense.
- He studied the field-of-fire capabilities of the new weapon.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically used for a competitive arena or market segment where a company is active (e.g., 'Our new product enters a crowded field of fire.').
Academic
Used in military history, strategic studies, and political science to analyse combat tactics or metaphorical 'attacks' in discourse.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used metaphorically for an area of criticism (e.g., 'Don't step into his field of fire on that topic.').
Technical
Standard term in military doctrine for the area a weapon system can engage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “field of fire”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “field of fire”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “field of fire”
- Using 'line of fire' interchangeably (a 'line of fire' is the path of a single shot; a 'field of fire' is an area).
- Using it in everyday contexts where simpler terms like 'range' or 'scope' would be better.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Line of fire' refers to the direct path of a projectile. 'Field of fire' is the wider area that can be covered by gunfire from a position.
Yes, but it's a deliberate metaphor. It's used in politics, business, or debate to describe an area where someone is vulnerable to attack or criticism.
'Dead ground' or 'blind spot' – an area that cannot be seen or fired upon from a defensive position.
It is common and standard within military and tactical contexts, but relatively rare in everyday general English.
The area that a weapon or group of weapons can cover effectively with gunfire.
Field of fire is usually technical / military in register.
Field of fire: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfiːld əv ˈfaɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfild əv ˈfaɪər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The term itself is technical.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a FIELD where FIRE (gunfire) can reach. If you're in that field, you can be hit.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR (extended use: a debater's 'field of fire' is the range of topics they can effectively attack).
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense, 'entering someone's field of fire' most likely means: