incendiarism

[ in-sen-dee-uh-riz-uhm ]

noun

1. the act or practice of an arsonist; malicious burning.
2. inflammatory behavior; agitation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of incendiarism¹

First recorded in 1665–75; incendiar(y) + -ism

Example Sentences

There were about twenty so punished at Canton in 1843, for incendiarism.

From Project Gutenberg

Some cases of incendiarism did really occur, however, and it was just as well that the city should be guarded, and the rougher element closely looked after.

From Project Gutenberg

Accidents that are preventable, caused by carelessness, laziness, and ignorance, cost more money, suffering, and life than viciousness and incendiarism, in the ratio of 3 to 1.

From Project Gutenberg

Whatever outbreaks or insurrections at any time occurred, no Methodist slave was ever proved guilty of incendiarism or rebellion for more than seventy years, namely, from 1760 to 1833.

From Project Gutenberg

From taking a short glance at incendiarism, the next point to be considered is polygamy — and here, again, we see the demoralizing effects of slavery.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• torching