inflame
VerbWordNet 3.0
Verb (5)
- cause inflammation in“The repetitive motion inflamed her joint”
- catch fire“The dried grass of the prairie kindled, spreading the flames for miles”Synonyms: kindle
- cause to start burning“The setting sun kindled the sky with oranges and reds”Synonyms: kindleenkindleconflagrate
- arouse or excite feelings and passions“The ostentatious way of living of the rich ignites the hatred of the poor”“The refugees' fate stirred up compassion around the world”“Wake old feelings of hatred”Synonyms: stir upwakeigniteheatfire up
- become inflamed; get sore“His throat inflamed”
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Inflame \In*flame"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inflamed; p. pr. & vb. n. Inflaming.] [OE. enflamen, OF. enflamer, F. enflammer, L. inflammare, inflammatum; pref. in- in + flammare to flame, fr. flamma flame. See Flame.]
1.To set on fire; to kindle; to cause to burn, flame, or glow. [1913 Webster]
We should have made retreat By light of the inflamed fleet.— Chapman.[1913 Webster]
2.Fig.: To kindle or intensify, as passion or appetite; to excite to an excessive or unnatural action or heat; as, to inflame desire. [1913 Webster]
Though more, it seems, Inflamed with lust than rage.— Milton.[1913 Webster]
But, O inflame and fire our hearts.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]
3.To provoke to anger or rage; to exasperate; to irritate; to incense; to enrage. [1913 Webster]
It will inflame you; it will make you mad.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
4.(Med.) To put in a state of inflammation; to produce morbid heat, congestion, or swelling, of; as, to inflame the eyes by overwork. [1913 Webster]
5.To exaggerate; to enlarge upon. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
A friend exaggerates a man's virtues, an enemy inflames his crimes.— Addison.
Syn: To provoke; fire; kindle; irritate; exasperate; incense; enrage; anger; excite; arouse. [1913 Webster]
Inflame \In*flame"\, v. i. To grow morbidly hot, congested, or painful; to become angry or incensed. --Wiseman. [1913 Webster]