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

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."

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 notes

In plain EnglishTo stir up strong feelings, or to cause swelling and irritation in the body.

Common pairings

inflame tensions inflame passions inflame the skin

Word forms

inflamed past tense, inflames singular

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The politician's comments only _____ tensions between the two sides.

Etymology

From Latin inflammare, "to set on fire," from in- plus flamma ("flame").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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heat wake kindle ignite stir up fire up enkindle conflagrate

Related words

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Rhymes for inflame

name came game dame same fame tame lame flame blame frame shame

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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.

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