INCENDIARY Meaning and
Definition
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Incendiary is an adjective that describes something that is designed to cause fires or ignite materials. It can also refer to someone who deliberately ignites or starts fires, usually for malicious or destructive purposes. In a more figurative sense, incendiary can describe something that is highly inflammatory, provocative, or likely to generate strong emotions or violent reactions.
In the context of explosives and weaponry, an incendiary device refers to a substance or mechanism used to create fire or explosions. It may contain flammable substances, such as gasoline or napalm, and is often utilized in military operations or acts of terrorism. Incendiary bombs, for instance, are specifically designed to create large-scale fires and destruction.
When referring to a person's behavior or speech, the word incendiary suggests provocation or agitation likely to arouse anger, hostility, or controversy. In this sense, incendiary remarks or language can be considered inflammatory, divisive, or intended to provoke strong emotional reactions. Such statements are often used to incite or fuel social, political, or ideological conflicts.
In summary, incendiary refers to something or someone that is designed or inclined to cause fires, ignite materials, or create explosive reactions. It can describe both physical objects, like fire-starting devices, as well as figurative actions or words that provoke strong emotions or spark hostile reactions.
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• One who wilfully and maliciously sets fire to the houses, buildings, or property of another, or to his own; one who so inflames the public mind as to unduly promote discontent and faction.
• Relating to the willful burning of a building; inflammatory; seditious.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of INCENDIARY
The word "incendiary" has its origins in Latin. It comes from the Latin root "incendium", which means "a fire" or "a conflagration". The Latin term also gave rise to the verb "incendere", meaning "to set on fire" or "to kindle". Over time, this Latin root was adopted into the English language, and the term "incendiary" came to be used figuratively, referring to anything that can cause or stir up conflict, hostility, or disruption.
Similar spelling words for INCENDIARY
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