inflammatory

American  

[in-flam-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / ɪnˈflæm əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

adjective

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

   inflammatory speeches.

   Synonyms:

   provocative, incendiary, fiery

2. Pathology. of or caused by inflammation.

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inflammatory British  

/ ɪnˈflæmətərɪ, -trɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by or caused by inflammation

2. tending to arouse violence, strong emotion, etc

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Other Word Forms

• inflammatorily adverb
• noninflammatory adjective
• subinflammatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of inflammatory

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

Example Sentences

The protective effects were especially strong for inflammatory conditions like arthritis, serious cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke, and dementia.

From Science Daily

For years, researchers have linked the gut microbiome to immune, metabolic, and inflammatory disorders.

From Science Daily

The author argues that Bovino’s inflammatory rhetoric and theatrical enforcement style backfired, with his unsubstantiated claim that slain ICU nurse Alex Pretti wanted to “massacre law enforcement” particularly damaging public perception of immigration enforcement efforts.

From Los Angeles Times

"In addition, LC-Mo correlated with the severity of fatigue and respiratory symptoms and was associated with elevated cytokine levels in blood plasma, which are an indicator of inflammatory processes in the body."

From Science Daily

This inflammatory environment weakens the body's natural defenses by suppressing its anti-cancer immune response, making it harder for immune cells to attack cancerous threats.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• incendiary
• intemperate
• provocative