Inflame: meaning, definitions and examples

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inflame

 

[ ɪnˈfleɪm ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

to provoke

To provoke or intensify strong feelings or actions, especially anger or violence. To cause a situation to become more intense or worse. To make a physical condition worse by causing pain, swelling, or redness.

Synonyms

aggravate, irritate, provoke, worsen

Examples of usage

  • He tried to inflame the crowd with his speech.
  • The comments only served to inflame an already tense situation.
  • The injury was inflamed and painful.
Context #2 | Verb

to ignite

To cause a substance to catch fire or burn. To flare up suddenly or become more intense.

Synonyms

enflame, ignite, kindle

Examples of usage

  • The sparks inflamed the dry grass.
  • The situation inflamed into a full-blown conflict.

Translations

Translations of the word "inflame" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inflamar

🇮🇳 भड़काना

🇩🇪 entzünden

🇮🇩 menyulut

🇺🇦 запалювати

🇵🇱 rozpalić

🇯🇵 燃え上がらせる (moeagaraseru)

🇫🇷 enflammer

🇪🇸 inflamar

🇹🇷 ateşlemek

🇰🇷 불붙이다

🇸🇦 يشتعل

🇨🇿 zapálit

🇸🇰 zapáliť

🇨🇳 点燃 (diǎnrán)

🇸🇮 vžgati

🇮🇸 kveikja

🇰🇿 тұтандыру

🇬🇪 აალება

🇦🇿 alışdırmaq

🇲🇽 inflamar

Etymology

The word 'inflame' originated from Middle English 'enflamen', from Old French 'enflamer', from Latin 'inflammare' meaning 'to set on fire'. The figurative sense of 'to excite, to rouse' dates back to the late 14th century.

See also: enflame, flambeau, flamboyance, flamboyant, flamelet, flamer, flames, flamethrower, flaming, flammable, inflaming, inflammable, inflammation.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,891, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.