Inflamed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inflamed

[ษชnหˆfleษชmd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

medical

Affected by inflammation; red, swollen, and painful.

Synonyms

painful, red, swollen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inflamed

Describing a medical condition where a part of the body is red, swollen, hot, and often painful, usually as a reaction to injury or infection.

  • His ankle was badly inflamed after the accident.
  • The doctor confirmed that her tonsils were inflamed.
swollen

Typically refers to a part of the body becoming enlarged due to inflammation, fluid retention, or injury.

  • Her ankle was swollen after she twisted it during a run.
  • The gland in his neck was swollen due to an infection.
red

Describing the color change in the skin or other tissues, usually due to increased blood flow, inflammation, or infection.

  • His face turned red after being in the sun for too long.
  • The area around the bee sting was red and itchy.
painful

Used to describe something that causes physical pain or discomfort. This can apply to injuries, medical conditions, or symptoms.

  • Walking was difficult because of her painful knee.
  • The surgical site was still quite painful two days after the operation.

Examples of usage

  • The inflamed area around the wound was hot to the touch.
  • Her throat was inflamed and sore from the infection.
  • The inflamed joints caused him a lot of discomfort.
Context #2 | Verb

figurative

Arouse passionate or violent feelings in.

Synonyms

arouse, incite, provoke.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inflamed

Best used when describing a situation or emotion that has become intense and often negative, typically involving anger or conflict.

  • His speech inflamed the crowd, leading to a heated argument
arouse

Used when you want to describe the awakening or stirring of feelings, desires, or awareness, generally in a neutral or positive context.

  • The music aroused feelings of nostalgia among the audience
provoke

Commonly used to describe the act of stimulating a reaction, especially a strong or unwelcome one such as anger.

  • Her comments were meant to provoke a response from the usually reserved audience
incite

Often used in a negative context to describe the action of urging or provoking someone to behave badly, typically inflicting harm or unrest.

  • The leader's inflammatory remarks incited the crowd to violence

Examples of usage

  • The speech inflamed the crowd and led to a riot.
  • His words inflamed her anger even more.
  • The article inflamed tensions between the two groups.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Medical Understanding

  • Inflammation is a vital part of the immune response, signaling the body to heal injuries or fight infections.
  • There are two types of inflammation: acute, which is a short-term response, and chronic, which can last for months or years.
  • Common causes of inflammation include infections, injuries, and autoimmune disorders, demonstrating the body's complex fight against harm.

Cultural References

  • Inflammation is often referred to in discussions about health and wellness, especially concerning diets that reduce chronic inflammation.
  • In literature, an 'inflamed' heart can symbolize passion or anger, showing how the term can be used metaphorically.
  • Songs and poems use the image of fire and flames to describe strong emotions, linking the idea of inflammation to feelings of love or rage.

Psychological Effects

  • Studies suggest that chronic inflammation can affect mental health, leading to conditions like depression and anxiety.
  • The psychological stress response can exacerbate physical inflammation, creating a cycle that impacts overall health.
  • Mindfulness and stress-reducing practices have been shown to help lower inflammation in the body.

Environmental Impact

  • Exposure to environmental pollutants can trigger inflammatory responses in individuals, showcasing the link between surroundings and health.
  • Allergies to certain plants or foods can cause inflammation, highlighting how our choices impact bodily reactions.
  • Research indicates that an increase in urban pollution correlates with rising cases of inflammatory diseases among populations.

Origin of 'inflamed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'inflamed' comes from the Latin 'inflammare', which means 'to set on fire'.
  • In ancient times, inflammation was thought to be a result of imbalances in bodily fluids, often termed 'humors'.
  • The prefix 'in-' indicates a process or action, while 'flame' connects to the fiery nature of the body's response.

The word 'inflamed' originated from the Latin word 'inflammare', which means 'to set on fire'. The term was first used in the late 16th century to describe the red, swollen, and painful appearance of an area affected by inflammation. Over time, the word's figurative meaning evolved to describe the arousal of passionate or violent feelings.


See also: inflammatory.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,966, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.