Main Entry:

ar·son

Pronunciation:

\ˈär-s^ən\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Anglo-French arsoun, from ars, past participle of arder, ardre to burn, from Latin ardēre — more at ardor

Date:

circa 1680

: the willful or malicious burning of property (as a building) especially with criminal or fraudulent intent

— ar·son·ist \-ist\ noun

— ar·son·ous \-əs\ adjective