verb
inflame
ihn-FLAYM
Inflame (verb) means to make a feeling, situation, or conflict more intense or heated. Example: “The politician's comments only inflamed tensions between the two sides.”
verb
1
To make a feeling, situation, or conflict more intense or heated.
"The politician's comments only inflamed tensions between the two sides."
"His arrogant reply inflamed the crowd even further."
2
To cause a part of the body to become swollen, red, or painful.
"The infection inflamed the tissue around the wound."
How to use inflame
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo stir up strong feelings, or to cause swelling and irritation in the body.
Common pairings
inflame tensions
inflame passions
inflame the skin
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- inflames
- Past tense
- inflamed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The politician's comments only _____ tensions between the two sides.
Etymology
From Latin inflammare, "to set on fire," from in- plus flamma ("flame").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for inflame
See all rhymes for inflame →Frequently asked questions
What does “inflame” mean?
The word “inflame” means to make a feeling, situation, or conflict more intense or heated. In plain terms, to stir up strong feelings, or to cause swelling and irritation in the body.
How do you pronounce “inflame”?
“Inflame” is pronounced ihn-FLAYM (/ɪnˈfleɪ̯m/ in IPA).
How do you use “inflame” in a sentence?
Here is “inflame” used in a sentence: “The politician's comments only inflamed tensions between the two sides.”
What part of speech is “inflame”?
“Inflame” is a verb.
Where does the word “inflame” come from?
The word “inflame” comes from Latin. From Latin inflammare, "to set on fire," from in- plus flamma ("flame").
How many meanings does “inflame” have?
“Inflame” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make a feeling, situation, or conflict more intense or heated.
