inflame

in·flame

verb \in-ˈflām\

in·flamed also en·flamedin·flam·ing also en·flam·ing

Definition of INFLAME

transitive verb

1

a : to excite to excessive or uncontrollable action or feeling; especially : to make angry b : to make more heated or violent : intensify <insults served only to inflame the feud>

2

: to set on fire : kindle

3

: to cause to redden or grow hot from anger or excitement <a face inflamed with passion>

4

: to cause inflammation in (bodily tissue)

intransitive verb

1

: to burst into flame

2

: to become excited or angered

3

: to become affected with inflammation

— in·flam·er noun

Variants of INFLAME

in·flame also en·flame \in-ˈflām\

Examples of INFLAME

1. His angry speech inflamed the mob.
2. ideas that inflame the imagination
3. His comments have inflamed an already tense situation.
4. inflaming the passions of the mob
5. a chemical that can inflame the skin

Origin of INFLAME

Middle English enflamen, from Anglo-French enflamer, from Latin inflammare, from in- + flamma flame

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to INFLAME

Synonyms: enrage, incense, anger (also enflame), infuriate, ire, madden, outrage, rankle, rile, roil, steam up, tick off

Antonyms: delight, gratify, please

Related Words: affront, aggravate, annoy, burn (up), cross, exasperate, get, huff, irritate, miff, nettle, offend, peeve, pique, provoke, put out, ruffle, vex; antagonize, embitter, envenom

Near Antonyms: allay, assuage, relieve; comfort, console, soothe; appease, conciliate, mollify, pacify, placate; calm, lull, quiet, settle; beguile, bewitch, captivate, charm, disarm, enchant

see all synonyms and antonyms

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