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Pyromaniacal: meaning, definitions and examples

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pyromaniacal

 

[ˌpaɪrəˈmeɪniækəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Showing an obsessive interest in setting fires; of or relating to pyromania.

Synonyms

arsonistic, fire-obsessed, incendiary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pyromaniacal

Repeated due to an initial error. Use the context and examples provided above for 'pyromaniacal'.

  • Refer to the first entry for context and examples
arsonistic

Refers to someone who commits arson, the deliberate and illegal act of setting fires to property. This term has a criminal connotation.

  • The police have arrested an arsonistic individual who is believed to be behind the recent spate of building fires
fire-obsessed

Describes someone who has a strong fascination or obsession with fire. This term is used more generally and is not necessarily linked to criminal behavior.

  • As a child, he was fire-obsessed, always wanting to play with matches and watch things burn
incendiary

Often used to describe something or someone that causes fires, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe inflammatory behavior or speech that can incite strong reactions.

  • The incendiary device was found near the scene of the fire
  • His incendiary comments sparked a heated debate

Examples of usage

  • He displayed pyromaniacal tendencies from a young age.
  • The police suspected the arsonist had pyromaniacal motives.
Context #2 | Adjective

characteristic

Marked by a compulsive desire to start fires.

Synonyms

combustive, fire-starting, pyro.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pyromaniacal

This word is best used when describing someone who has an obsessive urge to set things on fire, often considered a psychological condition.

  • The detective suspected the fire was caused by a pyromaniacal individual.
  • Her pyromaniacal tendencies required professional help.
fire-starting

Use this term when talking about the act of starting fires, often in a literal sense. It doesn't inherently carry a psychological implication like 'pyromaniacal'.

  • The scout leader taught the children safe fire-starting techniques.
  • Fire-starting without proper supervision can be extremely dangerous.
pyro

This is an informal and often slang term, typically used to describe someone who enjoys fire or is obsessed with fire. It can have a negative connotation, especially when referring to dangerous behavior.

  • He's a bit of a pyro, always fascinated by flames and fireworks.
  • They called him a pyro after he was caught playing with matches.
combustive

This word is suitable for describing something that can catch on fire easily or has a tendency to combust. It can also describe a volatile situation or person.

  • The factory was filled with combustive materials, posing a significant fire hazard.
  • Their argument was combustive and could have easily escalated into a bigger conflict.

Examples of usage

  • His pyromaniacal behavior endangered the neighborhood.
  • The psychiatrist diagnosed the patient with pyromaniacal tendencies.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Greek word 'pur', meaning fire, and 'mania', meaning madness or obsession.
  • The word was first used in the late 19th century in the context of psychology to describe a compulsive behavior.

Psychology

  • Pyromania is classified as an impulse control disorder, where a person cannot resist the urge to start fires.
  • It often begins in childhood or adolescence and can result in significant danger for both the individual and others.

Historical Cases

  • Famous instances include arsonists who have been diagnosed with pyromania, leading to severe consequences for communities.
  • The Great Fire of London in 1666 is an example of how fire, whether accidental or not, can drastically change history.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies portray characters with a fascination with fire, often linking it to chaos or dangerous behavior.
  • Fire play is often depicted in literature as a symbol of transformation or destruction, illustrating the duality of fascination and fear.

Education & Prevention

  • Understanding pyromania can help in devising effective prevention and intervention strategies for at-risk youth.
  • Therapy and counseling often focus on exploring the underlying issues that drive the compulsion to start fires.

Translations

Translations of the word "pyromaniacal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 piromaníaco

🇮🇳 आगजनी का शौकीन

🇩🇪 pyromanisch

🇮🇩 piromania

🇺🇦 піроманічний

🇵🇱 piroman

🇯🇵 放火狂の

🇫🇷 pyromane

🇪🇸 pirómano

🇹🇷 piromanyakal

🇰🇷 방화광적인

🇸🇦 مولع بإشعال الحرائق

🇨🇿 pyromanský

🇸🇰 pyromanský

🇨🇳 纵火狂的

🇸🇮 piromanski

🇮🇸 íkveikjuáráttur

🇰🇿 өрт қоюшы

🇬🇪 პირომანიაკალური

🇦🇿 piromaniakal

🇲🇽 piromaniaco

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,521, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.