inflame

verb

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in·flame | \ in-ˈflām

variants: or less commonly enflame

inflamed also enflamed; inflaming also enflaming

Definition of inflame

transitive verb

1a : 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

Other Words from inflame Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About inflame

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 Beijing had baselessly accused the U.S. and Taiwan of fomenting the Hong Kong protests, so a public announcement about the five could further inflame tensions. — Timothy Mclaughlin, The Atlantic, 13 May 2022 Such a move would likely inflame tensions with Washington, which has been anxious to deny China control of the strategically important waterway. — Time, 10 May 2022 Humiliating Putin could also inflame patriotic rage among ordinary Russians, who could end up demanding retribution in the form of some face-saving action against NATO. — Damon Linker, The Week, 10 May 2022 Woman's Day/Getty Images Please enlighten my mind with truth, inflame my heart with love, inspire my will with courage, enrich my life with service. — Elizabeth Berry, Woman's Day, 3 May 2022 Amid fears that customs checks along the Irish border would inflame sectarian tensions, the U.K. and EU agreed to put a customs border in the Irish Sea, between Britain and Northern Ireland. — Max Colchester, WSJ, 6 May 2022 Experts suspect that smoking may inflame the sweat glands and cause pustules to form, according to NORD. — Fatima Fahs, SELF, 29 Apr. 2022 But the hostilities showed how easily one spark could inflame tensions between two countries whose relations have been fragile since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan last summer. — New York Times, 28 Apr. 2022 Their move could further inflame a tortuous debate among scientists over when and how the vaccines’ protection should be bolstered, and for whom. — New York Times, 15 Mar. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inflame.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.