incendiary
in-SEN-dee-air-ee
/ɪnˈsen.di.er.i/
Designed to cause fires; tending to stir up conflict, anger, or rebellion.
In fire context, refers to devices or chemicals intended to ignite fires; metaphorically describes provocative rhetoric.
The story behind the word. From Latin incendiarius (causing fires, arsonist), from incendium (a fire), originating from incendere (to set fire to) where in- joins candere (to glow or shine).
Word relationships
- inflammatory: Inflammatory is more commonly used for speech that excites anger, while incendiary frequently refers to physical fire devices.
- provocative: Provocative can mean intriguing or challenging, whereas incendiary specifically implies violent conflict.
- calming: Calming neutralizes anger or hostility.
- soothing: Soothing reduces tension or heat.
Commonly confused with
- combustible: Combustible describes material that can burn, while incendiary describes devices deliberately designed to start fires.
Word family
- incendiarism (noun): The act or practice of setting malicious fires.
Collocations
- incendiary device
- incendiary rhetoric
- incendiary mixture
Example sentences
- "Investigators discovered traces of an incendiary device at the burnt warehouse site." Arson Investigation
- "The politician's incendiary speech sparked angry protests across the city." Political Commentary
Memory hook
INCENDIARY sends IN-CANDLE heat to start fires. Intentional fire starter.
When not to use
Do not use to describe accidental fires caused by natural elements like lightning.
Fun facts
- Incendiary bombs used during World War II relied on thermite and magnesium to produce unquenchable heat.
Related words
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