arson

ar·son

noun \ˈär-s^ən\

Definition of ARSON

: 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

Examples of ARSON

1. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but investigators suspect arson.
2. The town has suffered a rash of arson attacks.
3. The town has suffered a rash of arsons.

Origin of ARSON

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

First Known Use: circa 1680

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

Rhymes with ARSON

parson