inflames
|in-flames|
/ɪnˈfleɪm/
(inflame)
provoke emotions
Etymology
'inflame' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'inflammare', where 'in-' meant 'into' and 'flammare' (from 'flamma') meant 'to set on fire'.
'inflame' changed from Old French 'enflammer' and Medieval Latin 'inflammare' and eventually became the modern English word 'inflame' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'to set on fire' in a literal sense, but over time it evolved to include the current meanings 'to excite strong feelings' and 'to cause inflammation in the body'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
causes to catch fire or to set on fire (literal)
The dry brush inflames quickly when sparks fall on it.
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Verb 2
provokes or intensifies strong emotion, especially anger or passion (figurative)
His speech inflames public opinion against the policy.
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Verb 3
causes a part of the body to become inflamed (medical)
The infection inflames the tissue around the wound.
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Verb 4
used as a transformed form: third-person singular present of 'inflame'.
When she speaks, she often inflames the crowd.
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/20 16:00