inflame

verb
UK: /ɪnˈfleɪm/
US: /ɪnˈfleɪm/

  1. To cause strong feelings, such as anger or excitement, in someone.

    1. His speech did inflame the crowd.
    2. The politician's comments inflamed public opinion on the matter considerably.

  2. To make a situation or feeling worse.

    1. Don't inflame the situation further.
    2. The media coverage only served to inflame tensions between the two groups.

  3. To cause part of the body to become red, swollen, and painful.

    1. The wound began to inflame quickly.
    2. Dust and pollen can inflame the sinuses, leading to discomfort and irritation.

Synonyms

ignite kindle provoke irritate incite worsen arouse excite aggravate
inflame transitive-verb

  1. To set on fire; to cause to burn.

    1. The arsonist tried to inflame the building.
    2. He used gasoline to inflame the pile of leaves he had gathered up quickly.
inflame intransitive-verb

  1. To become excited or passionate.

    1. His temper began to inflame.
    2. Passions inflame easily when discussing sensitive political topics these days.

  2. To become red, swollen, and painful.

    1. My skin will inflame if I stay in the sun.
    2. The injury will inflame if you don't keep it clean and properly bandaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "inflame" in English means: To cause strong feelings, such as anger or excitement, in someone., To make a situation or feeling worse., To cause part of the body to become red, swollen, and painful..

The phonetic transcription of "inflame" is /ɪnˈfleɪm/ in British English and /ɪnˈfleɪm/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "inflame": ignite, kindle, provoke, irritate, incite, worsen, arouse, excite, aggravate.

Example usage of "inflame": "His speech did inflame the crowd.". More examples on the page.