catch fire

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

All lithium batteries can uncontrollably heat and catch fire through a chemical chain reaction known as thermal runaway.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

According to state news agency TASS, the targeted patrol car was heavily damaged but did not catch fire.

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

In truth, Newcastle have yet to catch fire six months into the campaign.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

The U.S. jobs market took a sharp turn for the worse in 2025, and it doesn’t look like hiring will catch fire in the new year.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 20, 2025

If I stood still any longer I might catch fire too.

From "The Rock and the River" by Kekla Magoon