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DictionaryinflameStir up strong feelings
verb

inflame

To arouse strong feelings or intensify conflict.

The mocking response inflames the other person’s anger.

One adult angrily gestures at a broken ceramic cup while a second adult mocks the upset person with an unmistakably dismissive smirk, making the first person more angry; two people and cup fragments on a tiny table only, no physical violence or speech bubbles.
Etymology
inflameLatinset on fire

The Latin verb means to set on fire. Emotional use transfers that ignition to feelings or conflict, making them burn more intensely.

In context

Plan Heal13:40
taking a shower because it would just accelerate and inflame her eczema
Plan Heal- My Health Journey Interview Series featuring Monique Menses

More examples

  • His speech inflamed the crowd’s anger.
  • The insult only inflamed the dispute.
  • She avoided words that might inflame the situation.

Forms

inflame · inflames · inflamed · inflaming

inflammatory adjective — likely to provoke strong reactions

Similar words

aggravate
Aggravate makes a problem worse; inflame particularly intensifies strong emotion or conflict.
incite
Incite urges action; inflame stirs the feelings that may lead to action.