blaze

Blaze refers to a bright flame or fire. In its noun sense, a blaze is a sudden, intense flame or a bright light, often highly visible and consuming fuel. As a verb, to blaze can mean to burn fiercely or to shine brilliantly, as in “the sun blazed overhead.” The term is also used metaphorically to describe a sudden display of color or emotion, as in a blaze of color or a blaze of glory.

In marking and navigation contexts, a blaze is a sign or mark used to indicate a path. In forestry and trail design, blazes are cut or painted marks on trees or wooden posts to guide hikers or delineate routes and boundaries.

The expression “to blaze a trail” means to lead the way into new territory or to undertake something pioneering, often overcoming obstacles. The phrase is widely used in both literal and figurative senses.

Blaze also appears as a proper name and in cultural contexts, including characters or branded products, and is used in naming for dogs, people, and fictional entities. Etymology traces blaze from early forms describing a bright fire or light, with evolving metaphorical uses in English.

Notable related terms include bonfire, conflagration, and trail marker. Blaze imagery commonly appears in literature and media to symbolize intensity, awakening, or decisive action.