Enflame: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in poetic or dramatic contexts to describe lighting something on fire, either literally or metaphorically.

• Her passionate speech enflamed the hearts of the crowd
• The artist's words enflamed his imagination

Use when describing an action that encourages or prompts others to engage in behavior, often with a negative connotation, such as violence or rebellion.

• The leader's rhetoric incited the mob to act
• They were accused of inciting a riot

Used to describe making a situation more intense, often by arousing strong feelings like anger or passion. It can have a negative connotation.

• The politician's remarks inflamed public opinion
• The article inflamed tensions between the two communities

Appropriate for describing an action or statement that triggers a reaction, often deliberately, and can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

• Her question was intended to provoke thought
• His rude comments provoked an argument

Casual or colloquial term used to describe causing emotions or situations to become more agitated or chaotic. Generally has a negative connotation.

• He tried to stir up trouble among the team
• The rumors stirred up a lot of anxiety in the community

Generally used in an emotional or metaphorical sense to describe stirring up intense feelings, often negative. It can also describe setting something physically on fire, but this usage is less common.

• The politician's speech enflamed the crowd, sparking outrage.
• Their constant lies enflamed tensions within the community.

Used to describe the action of starting a fire. It can also be used metaphorically to describe initiating a strong reaction or interest.

• He used a match to ignite the campfire.
• Her passion for music was ignited at a young age.

Typically refers to starting a small fire or sparking interest or emotion in someone. It has a somewhat gentle connotation.

• He used dry leaves to kindle the fire.
• The teacher's enthusiasm kindled a love of reading in her students.

Versatile word used to describe the act of making something visible by setting it on fire or turning on a light source. Also used in various idioms.

• She lit the candle during the power outage.
• He was eager to light the barbecue for the party.

Primarily used to describe setting something on fire with destructive intent. It has a negative connotation and suggests intentional damage.

• The vandals torched the abandoned building.
• In protest, some individuals threatened to torch the vehicles.