inflame Hear it!

inflame Definition

in·flame (in flame′)

transitive verb -·flamed′, -·flam′·ing

  1. to set on fire
  2. to arouse passion, desire, or violence in; excite intensely, as with anger
  3. to increase the intensity of (passion, desire, violence, etc.)
  4. to cause inflammation in (some organ or tissue)

Etymology: ME enflamen < OFr enflammer < L inflammare: see in- & flame

intransitive verb

  1. to become roused, excited, stimulated, etc.
  2. to catch fire
  3. to become hot, feverish, swollen, red, sore, etc.

inflame Related Forms
in·flam′er noun
inflame Synonyms

inflame

v.

  1. To irritate

    incense, aggravate, disturb, madden; see anger 1, bother 2.

  2. To arouse emotions

    incite, impassion, kindle, stir up; see excite 1, incite.

  3. To cause physical soreness

    irritate, redden, chafe, congest, erupt, break into a rash, infect, swell, raise the temperature; see also hurt 4, irritate 2.

  4. To burn

    kindle, set on fire, torch; see burn 2, ignite.

inflame Usage Examples

Object

  • lining: People who have lots of asthma attacks usually have swollen, inflamed linings in their airways.
  • tendon: Moving the inflamed tendon further inflames the sheath, which tightens onto the tendon, causing pain.
  • gum: Open a capsule of vitamin E and rub the oil on inflamed gums to aid healing and alleviate pain.
  • passion: The arrival of handsome river gypsy Johnny Depp further inflames passions.
  • airway: The symptoms of asthma are narrowed and inflamed airways.
  • tissue: The heat also has a soothing effect on the inflamed tissue.

Subject

  • passion: It replaced a window destroyed in 1641 by a mob inflamed by puritan passions.

Adjective complement

  • joint: Steroids are now used in three ways: by injection into an inflamed joint.

Modifying Another Word

  • chronically: This is acutely & chronically inflamed granulation tissue seen within the superficial and middle zone of the ulcer base.
  • acutely: Deep heat is not recommended for patients with acutely inflamed joints.
  • severely: A severely inflamed small intestine cannot absorb vitamins and minerals efficiently, which can result in a deficiency.
  • slightly: In a chronic condition the toe will appear slightly inflamed at the corner of the nail.
  • so: The surgeon waited two days before he operated because the gall bladder was so inflamed.
  • very: However his brain is now very inflamed, this inflammation has spread to the rest of his body.

Used with why or when

  • when: The esophagus is not made to withstand acid and is thus irritated and inflamed when acid from the stomach refluxes into it.

Present participle complement

  • cause: If exercise continues more damage occurs and the tissues become inflamed causing swelling and a dull throbbing sensation in the tendon.

Preposition: from

  • overuse: One or more rotator cuff tendons may become inflamed from overuse, aging, a fall on an outstretched hand, or a collision.

Preposition: with

  • lust: But his soul was inflamed with the lust of unbounded dominion.
  • love: All were inflamed with love, grief, pity.

Preposition: by

  • passion: It replaced a window destroyed in 1641 by a mob inflamed by puritan passions.