incendiary

in·cen·di·ar·y

adjective

The definition of incendiary is something that is likely to cause controversy, or something that is prone to starting fires.

An example of something described as incendiary is a controversial political topic like the death penalty.
An example of something described as incendiary is a highly explosive and flammable material.

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"incendiary." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 04 February 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Incendiary>.

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incendiary. (n.d.). Retrieved February 04th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Incendiary

incendiary

having to do with the willful destruction of property by fire
causing or designed to cause fires, as certain substances, bombs, etc.
willfully stirring up strife, riot, rebellion, etc.

Origin of incendiary

Classical Latin incendiarius, setting on fire, an incendiary from incendium, a fire from incendere: see incense

noun

pl. -·ar·ies

a person who willfully destroys property by fire
a person who willfully stirs up strife, riot, rebellion, etc.
an incendiary bomb, substance, etc.

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MLA Style

"incendiary." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 04 February 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Incendiary>.

APA Style

incendiary. (n.d.). Retrieved February 04th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Incendiary

incendiary

adjective

a. Causing or designed to cause fires: an incendiary device.
b. Of or containing chemicals that produce intensely hot fire when exploded: an incendiary bomb.
c. Intentionally started or set: an incendiary fire.
Tending to arouse strong emotion or conflict; inflammatory: an incendiary speech.
Causing a strong burning sensation in the mouth; very hot: incendiary wasabi.

noun

pl. in·cen·di·ar·ies

An incendiary bomb, bullet, or device.
A person who intentionally starts a fire with the purpose of causing damage or injury.
One who creates or stirs up conflict; an agitator.

Origin of incendiary

Middle English from Latin incendiārius from incendium fire from incendere to set on fire ; see incense ¹.

Related Forms:

in·cen′di·a·rism
noun

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"incendiary." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 04 February 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Incendiary>.

APA Style

incendiary. (n.d.). Retrieved February 04th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Incendiary

Adjective

(comparative more incendiary, superlative most incendiary)

Capable of, or used for, or actually causing fire.
Intentionally stirring up strife, riot, rebellion.
Inflammatory, emotionally charged.
Politics is an incendiary topic; it tends to cause fights to break out.

Noun

(plural incendiaries)

Something capable of causing fire, particularly a weapon.
The military used incendiaries to destroy the building. Fortunately, the fire didn't spread.
One who maliciously sets fires; an arsonist.
(figuratively) One who excites or inflames factions into quarrels; an agitator.

Origin

From Old French incendiaire, from Latin incendiārius (“setting alight”), from incendium (“destructive fire”), from incendō (“I set on fire, kindle”), from in- (“into, in, on, upon”) + candeō (“I am hot”).

English Wiktionary. Available under CC-BY-SA license.