Incendiary
ɪnˈsɛndiəri
Definitions
3 meaningsDesigned to cause fires; of or relating to arson.
ɪnˈsɛndiəri
Designed to cause fires
The police found evidence of an incendiary device at the scene.
💡 Simply: Imagine a special kind of match that makes a huge fire when you strike it. This word describes anything that’s designed to start a fire, like a bomb that explodes and sets things on fire. It’s a pretty powerful word that gets used when talking about destruction.
👶 For kids: Something that can start a fire.
More Examples
The company manufactured incendiary weapons for the military.
The arsonist used an incendiary substance to set the building ablaze.
How It's Used
"The incendiary bomb caused widespread destruction."
Tending to arouse anger, violence, or other strong emotions.
ɪnˈsɛndiəri
Tending to inflame conflict or controversy
The newspaper published an incendiary article that caused a public outcry.
💡 Simply: Picture a person who loves to stir things up! This word describes something that is meant to cause anger or strong feelings in others. Like a controversial opinion shared on the internet that causes a huge argument.
👶 For kids: Something that makes people angry or want to fight.
More Examples
His remarks were deliberately incendiary and designed to provoke a reaction.
The inflammatory rhetoric led to increased tension and unrest.
How It's Used
"The politician made an incendiary speech that sparked protests."
A person who sets fire to property, especially with criminal intent.
ɪnˈsɛndiəri
A person who starts fires, especially as a criminal
The police were on the lookout for the incendiary.
💡 Simply: Think of a person who starts fires on purpose, like in movies where the bad guys are always lighting things up! This noun describes someone who commits arson.
👶 For kids: Someone who sets fires on purpose.
More Examples
The investigation focused on identifying the incendiary responsible for the blaze.
The courts tried the incendiary for multiple counts of arson.
How It's Used
"The police are searching for the incendiary who set the warehouse on fire."
From Latin *incendiarius*, meaning 'arsonist,' derived from *incendere* 'to set fire to'.
The word 'incendiary' has been used since the 17th century, initially referring to substances or objects that could start fires, and later, to figurative uses related to stirring up conflict.
Memory tip
Think of 'incinerate' and 'fire'.
Word Origin
"to set fire to"