verb
inflame
ihn-FLAYM
verb
1
To make a feeling, situation, or conflict more intense or heated.
"The politician's comments only inflamed tensions between the two sides."
"His arrogant reply inflamed the crowd even further."
2
To cause a part of the body to become swollen, red, or painful.
"The infection inflamed the tissue around the wound."
How to Use Inflame
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo stir up strong feelings, or to cause swelling and irritation in the body.
Common pairings
inflame tensions
inflame passions
inflame the skin
Word Forms
inflamed past tense, inflames singular
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The politician's comments only _____ tensions between the two sides.
Etymology
From Latin inflammare, "to set on fire," from in- plus flamma ("flame").