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Incendiary: meaning, definitions and examples

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incendiary

 

[ ɪnˈsɛndɪˌɛri ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

political

Tending to stir up conflict; provocative.

Synonyms

inflaming, inflammatory, provocative

Examples of usage

  • The politician's incendiary remarks sparked a heated debate.
  • His incendiary speech caused outrage among the opposition.
Context #2 | Noun

weapon

A bomb or device designed to cause fires.

Synonyms

firebomb, inflammable device

Examples of usage

  • The incendiary exploded, setting the building ablaze.
  • The military used incendiaries to destroy enemy infrastructure.
Context #3 | Adjective

literary

Of or involving arson; designed to cause fires.

Synonyms

arsonous, fire-raising

Examples of usage

  • The incendiary plot of the novel kept readers on edge.
  • The character's incendiary actions led to a dramatic climax.

Translations

Translations of the word "incendiary" in other languages:

🇵🇹 incendiário

🇮🇳 आग लगाने वाला

🇩🇪 brandstiftend

🇮🇩 pembakar

🇺🇦 підпалювальний

🇵🇱 podpalający

🇯🇵 放火の

🇫🇷 incendiaire

🇪🇸 incendiario

🇹🇷 yangın çıkarıcı

🇰🇷 방화의

🇸🇦 حارق

🇨🇿 zapalovací

🇸🇰 zápalný

🇨🇳 纵火的

🇸🇮 vnetljiv

🇮🇸 eldfimt

🇰🇿 өрт қоюшы

🇬🇪 დამწვავი

🇦🇿 yanğın çıxarıcı

🇲🇽 incendiario

Word origin

The word 'incendiary' originated in the late 16th century, deriving from the Latin word 'incendiarius,' meaning 'setting on fire.' It has been used to describe both literal and figurative concepts related to causing fires or intense reactions. Over time, 'incendiary' has evolved to encompass various contexts, from political provocations to explosive devices. Its versatile nature has made it a powerful word in describing actions or statements that ignite controversy or conflict.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,431, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.