Inflamed
/ɪnˈfleɪmd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo arouse or intensify (a feeling or emotion, typically negative).
/ɪnˈfleɪm/
To provoke or intensify a strong emotion, especially anger or passion.
The protesters' chants inflamed the crowd.
💡 Simply: To make someone or something feel a strong emotion, like anger or excitement, get even stronger. Think of it like throwing fuel on a fire to make it burn bigger!
👶 For kids: To make someone feel very angry or upset.
More Examples
His provocative comments were designed to inflame the debate.
The scandal inflamed the already fragile political climate.
How It's Used
"His harsh words inflamed the already tense situation."
"The controversial article inflamed public opinion."
Red, hot, and swollen as a result of injury or infection.
/ɪnˈfleɪmd/
Affected by inflammation.
Her ankle was inflamed after the fall.
💡 Simply: When a part of your body gets red, swollen, and sometimes painful because it's hurt or sick, we say it is inflamed. Imagine if your skin looks like it's a little bit burnt.
👶 For kids: When something on your body is red and sore because it's hurt.
More Examples
The doctor prescribed medication for the inflamed area.
The inflamed gums were causing her discomfort.
How It's Used
"The doctor examined the patient's inflamed throat."
"The inflamed tissues were a sign of infection."
From Middle English *inflamen*, from Old French *enflamer* (“to set on fire, inflame”), from Latin *īnflammāre* (“to set on fire”), from *in-* (“in, on”) + *flammāre* (“to flame”), from *flamma* (“flame”).
The word 'inflamed' has been used since the 14th century to describe both physical and emotional states of heightened intensity.
Memory tip
Imagine a flame spreading to intensify the emotion. 'In' the flame means to increase it.
Word Origin
"flame"