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Incinerate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ฅ
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incinerate

[ษชnหˆsษชnษ™หŒreษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

destroy completely by burning

To incinerate means to destroy something completely by burning it. This process typically involves intense heat, reducing the object to ashes.

Synonyms

burn, scorch, torch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incinerate

This word is often used in formal contexts or to describe burning something completely, usually waste, to reduce it to ashes. It implies a higher degree of completeness in destruction.

  • The hospital incinerates medical waste to prevent contamination.
  • Officials decided to incinerate the confidential documents.
burn

Use this word when referring to something catching fire and being damaged or consumed by flames. It's a common, general term.

  • Don't forget to turn off the stove, or the food will burn.
  • The firefighter quickly extinguished the burning house.
torch

Use this word when describing the act of setting fire to something intentionally, often implying vandalism or arson. It has a negative connotation.

  • The rioters torched several cars during the protest.
  • The abandoned building was torched by arsonists.
scorch

Scorch is used when referring to burning something slightly or superficially, often resulting in discoloration or minor damage. It can imply damage without total destruction.

  • The hot iron scorched the fabric.
  • The sun scorched the leaves of the plants.

Examples of usage

  • The documents were incinerated in the fire.
  • The firefighters had to incinerate the contaminated waste.
Context #2 | Verb

eliminate or get rid of something quickly and decisively

To incinerate can also mean to eliminate or get rid of something quickly and decisively. This usage is often metaphorical, implying a swift and thorough removal.

Synonyms

annihilate, destroy, eradicate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incinerate

Used when something is burned completely to ashes, often in a controlled environment such as in waste disposal or cremation.

  • The waste was incinerated to reduce landfill volume
  • The documents were incinerated to prevent sensitive information from being leaked
destroy

A general term for causing something to no longer exist or be functional, suitable for a wide range of scenarios.

  • The building was destroyed in the fire
  • Negative reviews can destroy a restaurant's reputation
annihilate

Used to describe complete destruction or obliteration, often involving force or power, and can be used metaphorically.

  • The small army was annihilated by the enemy's superior forces
  • His argument annihilated all opposition during the debate
eradicate

Often used in the context of completely removing something undesirable or harmful, such as diseases, pests, or social issues.

  • Efforts are being made to eradicate malaria in the region
  • They are working on programs to eradicate poverty

Examples of usage

  • The company decided to incinerate all evidence of the scandal.
  • She incinerated his arguments with a single remark.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Environmental Impact

  • Burning waste can reduce its volume by 90%, making incinerators useful for managing garbage.
  • Many countries use incineration to generate energy from waste, though it raises concerns about air pollution.

Cultural Representations

  • In literature and film, incineration is often depicted as a method of destroying evidence or purging something undesirable.
  • Many ancient cultures viewed cremation, a form of incineration, as a respectful way to honor the dead.

Scientific Applications

  • Incineration is employed in laboratories to sterilize hazardous materials and ensure safe disposal.
  • The technique is also used in the cremation process, where human remains are incinerated, leaving only ash.

Health and Safety

  • Incinerators must be carefully regulated to control emissions of harmful pollutants like dioxins.
  • Proper inspection and maintenance are essential to avoid accidents and ensure efficient burning.

Origin of 'incinerate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'incinerare', which means 'to reduce to ashes'.
  • Its roots are 'in-' (into) and 'caenum' (ash) reflecting the action of turning something into ash.

The word 'incinerate' comes from the Latin word 'incineratus', which means 'to burn to ashes'. The practice of incineration has been used for centuries as a method of waste disposal and destruction. In modern times, incineration is often used for medical waste, hazardous materials, and even deceased human bodies. The process of incineration is regulated to ensure proper disposal and minimal environmental impact.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,027, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.