retrofire
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈrɛtrəʊfaɪə/
KK: /ˈrɛtroʊfaɪər/
intransitive verb
Definition
To ignite or fire, especially in reference to a retrorocket.
Example
The spacecraft will retrofire its engines to slow down before re-entering the atmosphere.
Tense Forms
Past: retrofired
Past Participle: retrofired
Conversation
Did you see the rocket launch yesterday?
Yeah, it was amazing when the engines retrofire before landing.
I know! It looked so cool when the flames shot out.
Totally! It's incredible how they manage that so perfectly.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
ignite
flare
burn
Antonyms
extinguish
douse
quench
transitive verb
Definition
To ignite or activate a retrorocket, typically used in the context of space travel or rocketry.
Example
The engineers decided to retrofire the rocket to slow its descent.
Tense Forms
Past: retrofired
Past Participle: retrofired
Conversation
Did you see how they retrofire the rocket during the launch?
Yeah, that was incredible! It looked so powerful.
I wonder how they decide when to retrofire it during the flight.
Root Explanation
Retrofire → It is formed from "retro-" (meaning backward) and "fire" (from Old English "fyr", meaning flame or fire). The word "retrofire" means to ignite or fire something backward, typically used in the context of rockets or missiles.
Memory Tip
Think of something that is 'firing backward' — 'retro-' means backward, and 'fire' refers to flame or ignition.
Visually Confused Words
retire
refire