Inflame: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when speaking about causing intense emotion, often anger or passion, and sometimes to describe the worsening of medical conditions.

• His words managed to inflame the crowd, making them even more agitated
• The infection in the wound began to inflame the surrounding tissue

Used in situations where someone or something is causing a reaction, especially anger or strong feelings. It has a slightly negative connotation.

• The politician's comments were intended to provoke a strong response from the audience
• Loud noises can sometimes provoke anxiety in pets

Often used when talking about making a problem, injury, or situation worse. It has a slightly negative connotation.

• Don't scratch the rash; you'll only aggravate it
• His constant complaints only serve to aggravate the issue

Typically used in formal contexts to describe a situation or condition that is becoming worse.

• Without proper medical care, his condition could worsen
• The economic crisis has begun to worsen over recent months

Typically used when describing causing someone to feel annoyed or causing a physical reaction like itching or redness.

• Her loud chewing started to irritate everyone at the table
• The chemical can irritate the skin if not handled properly

Used when talking about arousing strong emotions, often negative ones like anger, or medical conditions involving swelling and redness.

• His remarks only served to inflame the debate further.
• The wound began to inflame, causing a lot of discomfort.

Primarily used to describe setting something on fire or triggering a strong reaction, often excitement or passion.

• A single match can ignite the entire pile of wood.
• The coach's speech ignited the team's enthusiasm.

Commonly used to describe starting a fire gently or sparking emotions, usually positive ones like love or interest.

• He used dry grass to kindle the campfire.
• The teacher's passion for the subject kindled the students' interest.

A less common spelling variant of 'inflame', can also be used for arousing emotions or medical conditions, but it's rarely used in modern English.

• Her words enflamed the crowd into a frenzy.
• The infection will enflame the tissue.