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Firefighter: meaning, definitions and examples

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firefighter

 

[ˈfaɪərˌfaɪtər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

emergency response

A firefighter is a person who is trained to extinguish fires and rescue people from dangerous situations.

Synonyms

fire warden, fireman, firewoman.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
firefighter

Use this term when referring to any personnel, regardless of gender, in the profession of fighting fires. This is the most inclusive and widely accepted term.

  • The firefighter quickly put out the flames.
  • Firefighters are trained to handle emergencies.
fireman

An older term traditionally used to refer to male firefighters. It is less common now due to its gender-specific nature.

  • The fireman climbed the ladder to rescue the cat.
  • In the past, firemen mainly used manual pumps to fight fires.
firewoman

A term used to specifically refer to female firefighters. Like 'fireman', it is less common and can be seen as non-inclusive.

  • The firewoman received an award for her bravery.
  • She is the first firewoman to join the local fire department.
fire warden

This term refers to a person responsible for safety measures and fire prevention in a specific building or area, often in a non-professional, volunteer, or part-time capacity.

  • The fire warden conducted a fire drill last week.
  • Each floor of the building has a designated fire warden.

Examples of usage

  • The firefighter bravely entered the burning building to save the trapped residents.
  • Many firefighters work long hours to keep their communities safe.
  • The firefighter used a ladder to rescue the cat from the tree.
  • Firefighters undergo rigorous training to prepare for emergencies.
  • The firefighter's quick response saved the family from the house fire.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The profession of firefighting dates back to ancient Rome, where soldiers used buckets to put out fires.
  • The first volunteer fire department in the U.S. was established in 1736 in Philadelphia.
  • In the 19th century, firefighters often responded to blazes with horse-drawn equipment, making their work both physical and challenging.

Technology

  • Modern firefighting techniques include the use of thermal imaging cameras, which help locate hot spots in smoke-filled environments.
  • Firefighters now have advanced communication tools, allowing them to coordinate better during emergencies.
  • Firefighting foam, which helps extinguish chemical fires, has become an essential tool in contemporary firefighting.

Cultural Representation

  • Firefighters are often celebrated in popular media, portrayed as courageous figures in movies, books, and TV shows.
  • The character of 'Fireman Sam' in children's television has taught many kids about fire safety and the importance of firefighters.
  • National Firefighter Day is observed on various dates in different countries to honor heroes in this profession.

Psychology

  • Research shows that firefighters are at a higher risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the nature of their work.
  • Teamwork and camaraderie among firefighters are crucial for their mental health and operational effectiveness.
  • Firefighters undergo training not only for physical challenges but also for managing high-stress situations.

Safety and Prevention

  • Firefighters play a significant role in education, teaching communities about fire safety and prevention methods.
  • They respond to emergencies beyond fires, including car accidents and natural disasters, showcasing their versatility.
  • The 'Stop, Drop, and Roll' method is a widely taught technique for people to use if their clothes catch fire.

Translations

Translations of the word "firefighter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bombeiro

🇮🇳 दमकलकर्मी

🇩🇪 Feuerwehrmann

🇮🇩 pemadam kebakaran

🇺🇦 пожежник

🇵🇱 strażak

🇯🇵 消防士

🇫🇷 pompier

🇪🇸 bombero

🇹🇷 itfaiyeci

🇰🇷 소방관

🇸🇦 رجل إطفاء

🇨🇿 hasič

🇸🇰 hasič

🇨🇳 消防员

🇸🇮 gasilec

🇮🇸 slökkviliðsmaður

🇰🇿 өрт сөндіруші

🇬🇪 მეხანძრე

🇦🇿 yanğınsöndürən

🇲🇽 bombero

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,455, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.