set 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.

British troops set fire to the White House and other public buildings in August 1814 as part of the Burning of Washington.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

Soon after, Duverne tried to set fire to an emergency light in an elevator vestibule, Lalaind added.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

I might just as well set fire to my money.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 23, 2025

Many people are burning wood to cook and stay warm, and if they can’t find that, they set fire to whatever burns, including trash.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 13, 2025

“Alfred,” she said, “don’t talk foolishly. What if a robot came upon a madman about to set fire to a house with people in it. He would stop the madman, wouldn’t he?”

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov