fire support: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical (Military), Figurative
Quick answer
What does “fire support” mean?
In a military context, it refers to weapons used to support infantry or other units by firing on enemy positions, typically from artillery, mortars, naval guns, or aircraft.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In a military context, it refers to weapons used to support infantry or other units by firing on enemy positions, typically from artillery, mortars, naval guns, or aircraft.
Less commonly, it can metaphorically refer to strong verbal or rhetorical backing for a person or cause in a conflict or debate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core military meaning. Terminology for specific systems (e.g., artillery types) may differ, but the compound 'fire support' is standard in both.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in military contexts. The metaphorical use is equally rare in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low in general corpora; frequency is concentrated in military texts, doctrine, and historical accounts. Equally specialized in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “fire support” in a Sentence
[Subject] calls for/provides/requests/coordinates fire support.Fire support [verb] from [source].The [unit] advanced under cover of fire support.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fire support” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The forward observer radioed to fire-support the advancing platoon.
- We need to fire-support that ridge line before the assault goes in.
American English
- The JTAC called to fire-support the target grid.
- Air assets are on station to fire-support the extraction.
adverb
British English
- The unit moved forward fire-supportedly. (extremely rare/constructed)
- N/A
American English
- N/A
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The fire-support plan was meticulously drafted. (compound modifier)
- They lacked adequate fire-support assets.
American English
- The fire-support coordination line was established. (compound modifier)
- He was the fire-support officer for the battalion.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, or security studies texts discussing military operations.
Everyday
Extremely rare, except among those with military experience or interest.
Technical
Core term in military doctrine, tactics, and operational planning. Precise definitions exist in field manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fire support”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fire support”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fire support”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'help' or 'backup'. Confusing it with 'firefighting support' (aid for firefighters). Omitting the necessary military context, making the meaning obscure.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Air support' is a broader category that includes transport and reconnaissance. 'Close air support' is a specific type of fire support delivered by aircraft. 'Fire support' includes all indirect fire sources: artillery, mortars, naval guns, and aircraft.
It is strongly discouraged unless you are deliberately using a very obvious and vivid metaphor, and even then it may sound overly dramatic or militaristic. Terms like 'backup', 'assistance', or 'reinforcement' are far more appropriate.
A military encampment, often temporary or semi-permanent, designed to provide a secure location for artillery and mortars, allowing them to deliver sustained fire support to units operating in the surrounding area.
No, that is a common misconception. 'Fire' here refers to the act of firing weapons (noun). The unit providing fire support is typically at a distance from direct enemy engagement, focusing on launching projectiles or missiles.
In a military context, it refers to weapons used to support infantry or other units by firing on enemy positions, typically from artillery, mortars, naval guns, or aircraft.
Fire support is usually technical (military), figurative in register.
Fire support: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfaɪə səˌpɔːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfaɪ(ə)r səˌpɔːrt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No established idioms. Figurative: 'to provide rhetorical fire support.'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine soldiers (the main effort) as a house on fire. The 'fire support' is the water from fire trucks (artillery/aircraft) that rains down to douse the flames (enemy threats) around them.
Conceptual Metaphor
WAR IS A CONVERSATION/DEBATE (for figurative use: 'providing fire support in an argument'). CONFLICT IS A CONTAINED FIRE (support 'douses' enemy positions).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts would the term 'fire support' be LEAST appropriate?