Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense inflames, present participle inflaming, past tense, past participle inflamed
verb
If something inflames a situation or inflames people's feelings, it makes people feel even more strongly about something.
[journalism]
The General holds the rebels responsible for inflaming the situation. [VERB noun]
The shooting has only inflamed passions further. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: aggravate, increase, intensify, worsen More Synonyms of inflame
More Synonyms of inflame
inflame in British English
(ɪnˈfleɪm)
verb
1.
to arouse or become aroused to violent emotion
2. (transitive)
to increase or intensify; aggravate
3.
to produce inflammation in (a tissue, organ, or part) or (of a tissue, etc) to become inflamed
4.
to set or be set on fire; kindle
5. (transitive)
to cause to redden
Derived forms
inflamer (inˈflamer)
noun
inflamingly (inˈflamingly)
adverb
inflame in American English
(ɪnˈflæmɛ)
verb transitiveWord forms: inˈflamed or inˈflaming
1.
to set on fire
2.
to arouse passion, desire, or violence in; excite intensely, as with anger
3.
to increase the intensity of (passion, desire, violence, etc.)
4.
to cause inflammation in (some organ or tissue)
verb intransitive
5.
to become roused, excited, stimulated, etc.
6.
to catch fire
7.
to become hot, feverish, swollen, red, sore, etc.
Derived forms
inflamer (inˈflamer)
noun
Word origin
ME enflamen < OFr enflammer < L inflammare: see in-1 & flame
Examples of 'inflame' in a sentence
inflame
He sat on it for only two or three seconds but it was enough to inflame the whole situation.
The Sun (2016)
Solicitors taking a confrontational approach can often inflame the situation rather than calm it.
Butterworth, Jane Why Am I Afraid to Divorce? (1994)
Shell is thought to have considered legal action but decided that publicity would only inflame the situation.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
She conceded that engaging with internet trolls could inflame the situation in some cases.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Senior military officers argued that expanding their targets would only inflame the situation.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The figures will further inflame the row over energy bills and energy company profits.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
It would only further inflame the unions.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
What we don't want to do is inflame the situation.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
She can find no peace in holy rites, which further inflame her tormented feelings.
Pamela Norris Words Of Love: Passionate Women from Heloise to Sylvia Plath (2006)
It was inflamed still further by the British takeover.
Stearns, Peter N. World History: Patterns of Change and Continuity (1995)
Indeed it could be argued that they may further inflame the rage if they don't withdraw.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The pay row has become further inflamed in recent days, with details emerging of multimillion-pound packages being dangled by banks to lure high flyers.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
But it can be caused by constantly inflamed nasal tissue, in which case your nose might run all the time or feel blocked, too.
The Sun (2015)
In other languages
inflame
British English: inflame VERB
If something inflames a situation or inflames people's feelings, it makes people feel even more strongly about something.
The General holds the rebels responsible for inflaming the situation.