Incendiary
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ɪnˈsɛn.dɪ.əɹ.i/ · Part of speech adjective
Quick meaning: Incendiary is an adjective meaning Capable of, or used for, or actually causing fire.
Meaning
Capable of, or used for, or actually causing fire.
More Meanings
- (figurative) Intentionally stirring up strife, riot, rebellion.
- (figurative) Inflammatory, emotionally charged.
- Something capable of causing fire, particularly a weapon.
- One who maliciously sets fires.
- (figurative) One who excites or inflames factions into quarrels.
- (technical) Of a damaging fire, intentionally caused rather than accidental.
Example Sentences
Politics is an incendiary topic; it tends to cause fights to break out.
The military used incendiaries to destroy the building. Fortunately, the fire didn't spread.
March 7, 1692, Richard Bentley, The Folly of Atheism Several cities […] drove them out as incendiaries.
The Crown must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the fire was incendiary in origin; that is, it was not accidental and that it was either intentionally or recklessly set by the accused.
Word Forms
- incendiaries
Synonyms for incendiary
Depending on context, synonyms include arsonist, agitator, provocative, seditious, incitive, instigative.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include combustible, arsonist, inflammatory, incitive, instigative, rabble-rousing.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.