Incinerate: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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

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

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