Inflammation
ˌɪnfləˈmeɪʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsA localized physical condition characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, often as a response to injury or infection.
ˌɪnfləˈmeɪʃən
A localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful.
The athlete suffered an inflammation in his ankle after the game.
💡 Simply: Imagine you scrape your knee. The area gets red, puffy, and might hurt. That's your body's way of saying, "Hey, I'm trying to fix this!" That redness and swelling is called inflammation.
👶 For kids: When a part of your body is red, hot, and maybe a little bit ouchy, it's called inflammation. It's like your body's way of trying to heal itself when it's hurt.
More Examples
Chronic inflammation can contribute to various health problems.
The doctor prescribed medication to reduce the inflammation.
How It's Used
"The doctor diagnosed an inflammation in his knee."
"Inflammation is a key response of the immune system."
Figuratively, an escalation or intensification of something undesirable, such as anger, conflict, or public unrest.
ˌɪnfləˈmeɪʃən
Figuratively, a state of heightened emotion, antagonism, or excitement.
The media's coverage caused an inflammation of racial tensions.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, people use 'inflammation' to describe when something gets really intense, like a political argument that makes everyone super angry. It's like the argument is 'swelling up' and causing problems.
👶 For kids: Imagine a big argument getting really heated. When things get super intense and angry, that's kind of like inflammation, but for feelings instead of your body.
More Examples
His inflammatory remarks only served to worsen the situation.
The protest led to an inflammation of the conflict between the groups.
How It's Used
"The political debate caused an inflammation of public opinion."
"The author described the inflammation of the nation during the crisis."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
A group of conditions that involve chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
"People with Inflammatory Bowel Disease often experience abdominal pain and diarrhea."
Inflammatory remarks
Remarks that are likely to cause anger or conflict.
"The politician was criticized for making inflammatory remarks that incited hatred."
From Latin *inflammare* meaning "to set on fire, inflame." Related to the word "flame."
Used medically since the 17th century, referring to localized swelling and redness.
Memory tip
Think of a burning flame; inflammation is like the body's internal "burning" response.
Word Origin
"to set on fire, inflame"