variants
or less commonly enflame
inflamed also enflamed; inflaming also enflaming
1
a
: to excite to excessive or uncontrollable action or feeling
especially
: to make angry
b
: to make more heated or violent : intensify
insults served only to inflame the feud
2
: to set on fire : kindle
3
: to cause to redden or grow hot from anger or excitement
a face inflamed with passion
4
: to cause inflammation in (bodily tissue)
1
: to burst into flame
2
: to become excited or angered
3
: to become affected with inflammation
inflamer
noun
Synonyms
Examples of inflame in a Sentence
His angry speech inflamed the mob.
ideas that inflame the imagination
His comments have inflamed an already tense situation.
inflaming the passions of the mob
a chemical that can inflame the skin
Recent Examples on the Web
Trump’s revival of some of that bellicose language especially inflames nerves in Panama, said political scientist Miguel Antonio Bernal.
—
Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
Nothing inflamed Catherine’s jealousy more than her sister’s wardrobe.
—Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025
After the manner of their 4-0 defeat at Everton on Saturday, the lack of action will further inflame a fanbase that has expressed its dissatisfaction over the last three seasons…
Was this window a success or a failure?
—Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 4 Feb. 2025
The chemical effects of alcohol can damage and inflame your stomach lining, the lining of your intestines, and other delicate tissues.
—Jay N. Yepuri, Verywell Health, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for inflame 
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Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
Nothing inflamed Catherine’s jealousy more than her sister’s wardrobe.
—Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025
After the manner of their 4-0 defeat at Everton on Saturday, the lack of action will further inflame a fanbase that has expressed its dissatisfaction over the last three seasons…
Was this window a success or a failure?
—Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 4 Feb. 2025
The chemical effects of alcohol can damage and inflame your stomach lining, the lining of your intestines, and other delicate tissues.
—Jay N. Yepuri, Verywell Health, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for inflame
Articles Related to inflame
Dictionary Entries Near inflame
Cite this Entry
“Inflame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflame. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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Medical Definition
inflame
verb
in·flame
in-ˈflām 
inflamed; inflaming
: to cause inflammation in (bodily tissue)
inflame the sinuses
: to become affected with inflammation
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