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Conflagration: meaning, definitions and examples

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conflagration

 

[kənˌflæɡˈreɪʃən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

fire disaster

A conflagration is a large and destructive fire that causes widespread damage.

Synonyms

blaze, firestorm, inferno.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
conflagration

This word fits formal or serious contexts, often used in news or historical accounts to describe very large, destructive fires that cause significant damage.

  • The conflagration that swept through the city left thousands of people homeless
blaze

This term is suitable for casual or day-to-day language, describing any fire that burns brightly and strongly. It can be used for both large and small fires.

  • Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze before it could spread to nearby buildings
inferno

An intense and uncontrollable fire, suggesting a sense of chaos and extreme heat. Often used in dramatic storytelling or news to emphasize the severity of the fire.

  • The factory turned into an inferno, with flames rising high into the night sky
firestorm

Typically used in dramatic or extreme situations, often to describe a fire accompanied by strong winds that spreads rapidly, causing more destruction. It can also refer metaphorically to intense situations.

  • The forest fire turned into a firestorm, destroying everything in its path within hours

Examples of usage

  • The conflagration destroyed several buildings in the city.
  • The firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the conflagration.
  • The conflagration spread rapidly due to strong winds.
  • The conflagration left many families homeless.
  • The authorities declared a state of emergency due to the conflagration.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'conflagratio', which means 'to burn up' or 'to blaze'.
  • It combines 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'flagrare' meaning 'to burn', giving a sense of flames all around.

Historical Significance

  • Notable conflagrations like the Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed thousands of homes and reshaped the city.
  • In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire left approximately 100,000 people homeless and changed local fire regulations.

Environmental Impact

  • Wildfires, often referred to as conflagrations, can have both destructive and rejuvenating effects on ecosystems.
  • Fire-dependent ecosystems require occasional fires for certain plants to germinate and thrive.

Literature

  • Conflagrations are often used in literature as metaphors for chaos and destruction, illustrating internal or societal conflict.
  • In the book 'Fahrenheit 451', fire is a central theme, symbolizing both destruction and the potential for rebirth.

Safety and Prevention

  • Understanding how conflagrations start has led to improved fire safety protocols, such as better building materials and fire breaks.
  • Communities prone to wildfires often implement controlled burns as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of larger fires.

Translations

Translations of the word "conflagration" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conflagração

🇮🇳 आग

🇩🇪 Großbrand

🇮🇩 kebakaran besar

🇺🇦 пожежа

🇵🇱 pożar

🇯🇵 大火災 (だいかさい)

🇫🇷 conflagration

🇪🇸 conflagración

🇹🇷 büyük yangın

🇰🇷 대화재 (대형 화재)

🇸🇦 حريق كبير

🇨🇿 požár

🇸🇰 požiar

🇨🇳 大火灾 (dà huǒzāi)

🇸🇮 požar

🇮🇸 eldur

🇰🇿 үлкен өрт

🇬🇪 დიდი ხანძარი

🇦🇿 böyük yanğın

🇲🇽 conflagración

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,221, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.