variants
or less commonly enflame
inflamed also enflamed; inflaming also enflaming
1
a
: to excite to excessive or uncontrollable action or feeling
especially
: to make angry
His speech inflamed the mob.
b
: to make more active, heated, or violent : intensify
inflame the imagination
insults serving 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)
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 resulting glut of insulin can inflame tissues all across the body, and over time, this can weaken the immune system and contribute to all manner of chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease.
—
Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
Asthma is a chronic condition that inflames the airways and can make breathing difficult.
—Sanja Jelic, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2026
That outlet couldn’t confirm what caused Taylor’s pancreas to become inflamed, but notes that alcohol can be a factor.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
Unfortunately, Lace delivers a kick that knocks Jinx on his back, inflaming an old injury.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflame
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Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
Asthma is a chronic condition that inflames the airways and can make breathing difficult.
—Sanja Jelic, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2026
That outlet couldn’t confirm what caused Taylor’s pancreas to become inflamed, but notes that alcohol can be a factor.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
Unfortunately, Lace delivers a kick that knocks Jinx on his back, inflaming an old injury.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflame
Cite this Entry
“Inflame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflame. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Medical Definition
inflame
verb
in·flame
in-ˈflām 
inflamed; inflaming
: to cause inflammation in (bodily tissue)
inflame the sinuses
: to become affected with inflammation
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