flash point

noun

1
: the lowest temperature at which vapors above a volatile combustible substance ignite in air when exposed to flame
2
: a point at which someone or something bursts suddenly into action or being
3

Examples of flash point in a Sentence

The city became a flash point as political tensions grew. The situation reached a flash point when union leaders urged the workers to protest.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In short, this is a serious flash point for any organization. Usman Javaid, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 One of the flash points among Republican conservatives in the House is expected to surface again in the Senate — the bill’s price tag. David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025 Leaders of tribes without federal recognition saw the last few weeks’ AB 52 flash point as an opportunity to build momentum for greater protections and rights for all tribes in California. Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025 Jensen led the bureau’s domestic terrorism operations section on Jan. 6, serving in a critical role responding to the riot, and helped monitor violent incidents at school board meetings across the country — both flash points for right-wing culture warriors. Ella Lee, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flash point

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flash point was in 1878

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Cite this Entry

“Flash point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flash%20point. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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