inflammatory

[ in-flam-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

adjective

1. tending to arouse anger, hostility, passion, etc.:

   inflammatory speeches.

   Synonyms: provocative, incendiary, fiery

2. Pathology. of or caused by inflammation.

inflammatory

/ ɪnˈflæmətərɪ; -trɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by or caused by inflammation
2. tending to arouse violence, strong emotion, etc

Derived Forms

• inˈflammatorily, adverb

Other Words From

• in·flamma·tori·ly adverb
• nonin·flamma·tory adjective
• subin·flamma·tory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of inflammatory¹

First recorded in 1725–35; from Latin inflammāt(us) “kindled” (past participle of inflammāre “to kindle”; inflame ) + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

This time, the ads stated their policy including inflammatory language about China stealing American jobs, no benefits for illegal immigrants, funding and standing with law enforcement and openly rejecting gender-affirming surgery.

From Salon

James is not the only opponent of Trump to be targeted by Davis' inflammatory and violent rhetoric.

From Salon

It will soon become clear whether some of his more divisive and inflammatory rhetoric about immigrants makes some businesses think twice about sponsoring the event for fear of being associated with the president.

From BBC

The race between Stein and Robinson polled close as recently as July, but the daylight between the candidates began to grow as more of Robinson's history of inflammatory comments came to light.

From Salon

She was diagnosed with the chronic inflammatory bowel disease in 2017 and has been living with a stoma bag for seven years.

From BBC

Related Words

• incendiary
• intemperate
• provocative