inflame

verb

in·​flame in-ˈflām How to pronounce inflame (audio)
variants or less commonly enflame
inflamed also enflamed; inflaming also enflaming

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
inflamer noun

Examples of inflame in a Sentence

His angry speech inflamed the mob. ideas that inflame the imagination His comments have inflamed an already tense situation. inflaming the passions of the mob a chemical that can inflame the skin
Recent Examples on the Web The satellite launches have inflamed animosities between the rival Koreas, and both nations have taken steps to breach a previous military agreement meant to ease frontline military tensions. The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 2 Dec. 2023 Posters of people held hostage by Hamas, affixed to light poles and buildings in cities and on college campuses around the U.S., are being torn down, leading to confrontations captured on social media and further inflaming the debate over the war in the Middle East. Deon J. Hampton, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2023 If slugging is used too often and for too long, pimples can form, germs can multiply, and the skin can even become inflamed. Claudia Herwig, Glamour, 7 Nov. 2023 But analysts say the Biden administration has stayed clear of striking targets in Iraq for fear of inflaming the political situation in the country, where the U.S. still has 2,500 troops to mentor Iraqi forces who are fighting Islamic State militants. Michael R. Gordon, WSJ, 27 Oct. 2023 White supremacists have for years spread videos showing violent acts committed by people of color to inflame racial animus in hopes of winning potential recruits, Henry said. Drew Harwell, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2023 In addition to stepping up public exposure of such incidents, the Philippines and its treaty ally, the U.S., have moved to expand defense cooperation, inflaming tensions between the two superpowers. TIME, 23 Oct. 2023 May reduce inflammation and stuffy nose Inflammation is part of the body’s natural response to injury or illness; inflammation occurs when white blood cells migrate to inflamed tissue to assist with healing. Colby Teeman, Assistant Professor Of Dietetics and Nutrition, University Of Dayton, Fortune Well, 21 Oct. 2023 Climate amplified droughts and storms in that region have inflamed existing conflict and insecurity, which are contributing to unprecedented levels of migration toward the U.S. border. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 14 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inflame.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflame was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near inflame

Cite this Entry

“Inflame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflame. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

inflame

verb
in·​flame in-ˈflām How to pronounce inflame (audio)
inflamed; inflaming
1
: to set on fire : kindle
2
: to excite to too much action or feeling
especially : to make angry
3
: to cause to redden or grow hot from anger or excitement
4
: to cause inflammation in (bodily tissue)
5
: to become affected with inflammation

Medical Definition

inflame

verb
in·​flame in-ˈflām How to pronounce inflame (audio)
inflamed; inflaming

transitive verb

: to cause inflammation in (bodily tissue)
inflame the sinuses

intransitive verb

: to become affected with inflammation

More from Merriam-Webster on inflame

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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