Incendiarism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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incendiarism
[ɪnˈsɛn.di.ər.ɪ.zəm ]
Definition
criminal activity
Incendiarism refers to the act of deliberately setting fire to property, often with the intent to cause damage or destruction. It is considered a criminal offense and can result in severe penalties, especially if it endangers life or causes significant destruction.
Synonyms
arson, fire-setting, pyromania.
Examples of usage
- The authorities charged him with incidiarism after the warehouse fire.
- Incendiarism can lead to disastrous consequences for both the perpetrator and the victims.
- The investigation revealed that the fire was a case of incendiarism.
- Many communities increase security to prevent incidiarism during dry seasons.
Translations
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Origin of 'incendiarism'
The word 'incendiarism' originates from the Latin word 'incendere', which means 'to set on fire'. The term entered the English language in the late 19th century and has been used primarily in legal contexts to describe the crime of deliberately setting fires. The evolution of the term has been influenced by various incidents of arson throughout history, where the motivations behind such acts were often scrutinized. Over time, incendiarism has come to encompass not just the act of fire-setting but also the psychological aspects related to the behavior of individuals who repeatedly engage in such activities. As awareness of the dangers and social implications of incendiarism has grown, so too has the language around it, leading to a clearer definition and understanding of the crime within legal frameworks.