variants or less commonly enflame
inflamed also enflamed; inflaming also enflaming
Synonyms of inflamenext

transitive verb

1
a
: to excite to excessive or uncontrollable action or feeling
especially : to make angry
His speech inflamed the mob.
b
: to make more active, heated, or violent : intensify
inflame the imagination
insults serving 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.
The skin may blister and the eyes inflame, the stomach knot up and the bowels loosen. Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 My scalp is less dry and inflamed, and my curls are thoroughly moisturized. Dana Oliver, Parents, 30 June 2026 The surge inflamed tensions with residents of the heavily Democratic district. ABC News, 26 June 2026 Ceremonies at the grave of the unknown soldier of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army in Lviv have inflamed tensions with neighboring Poland. Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 27 June 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inflame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflame. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

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

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

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