incinerate

[ in-sin-uh-reyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·cin·er·at·ed, in·cin·er·at·ing.

1. to burn or reduce to ashes; cremate.

incinerate

/ ɪnˈsɪnəˌreɪt /

verb

1. to burn up completely; reduce to ashes

Derived Forms

• inˌcinerˈation, noun

Other Words From

• in·ciner·ation noun
• unin·ciner·ated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of incinerate¹

1545–55; < Medieval Latin incinerātus (past participle of incinerāre ) < Latin in- in- ² + ciner- (stem of cinis ) ashes + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of incinerate¹

C16: from Medieval Latin incinerāre, from Latin in- ² + cinis ashes

Example Sentences

The Uaupes in the Amazons incinerate a corpse a month after death, pound up the ashes, and mix them with their fermented drink.

From Project Gutenberg

The soldiers, under the partial protection of the turn, could incinerate the helpless technies with little danger to themselves.

From Project Gutenberg

Also, we incinerate our victims—again, with full governmental permission.

From Project Gutenberg

To incinerate is to reduce to ashes; the sense differs little from that of cremate, but it is in less popular use.

From Project Gutenberg

Encountering another globe, our sun would doubtless produce so much heat as to incinerate all planetary life.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• consume
• cremate
• ignite
• scorch
• torch