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
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.
Reasons for urethral discharge in males include germs that inflame the urethra (urethritis) or a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is an infection in the urinary tract. Jennifer Welsh Published, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024 Peritoneal signs are symptoms that the peritoneal lining is irritated and inflamed, such as persistent diffuse pain throughout the abdomen and rebound tenderness. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 This happens when the bursa, which is the protective padding where the tendon meets bone, becomes inflamed, Thomas adds. Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024 When plaque builds on your teeth, your gums become irritated and inflamed (known as gingivitis). Katie Camero, SELF, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inflame 

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 12 Dec. 2024.

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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