conflagration

[ kon-fluh-grey-shuhn ]

noun

1. a destructive fire, usually an extensive one.

conflagration

/ ˌkɒnfləˈɡreɪʃən /

noun

1. a large destructive fire

Derived Forms

• ˈconflaˌgrative, adjective

Other Words From

• con·fla·gra·tive [kon, -fl, uh, -grey-tiv], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of conflagration¹

First recorded in 1545–55; from Latin conflagrātiōn- (stem of conflagrātiō ), equivalent to conflagrāt(us), past participle of conflagrāre “to burn up”; con- ( def ), -ate ¹( def ), -ion ( def ). Latin flagr- of conflagrāre is akin to fulgur “lightning,” flamma ( flame ), Greek phlóx ( phlox )

Word History and Origins

Origin of conflagration¹

C16: from Latin conflagrātiō, from conflagrāre to be burnt up, from com- (intensive) + flagrāre to burn; related to Latin fulgur lightning

Synonym Study

See flame.

Example Sentences

As a series of conflagrations burn through much of California, displacing thousands and filling skies with smoke, it might seem strange to say that changes to a few statutes could make a difference.

From Time

Fires in electric vehicles are known for being intense conflagrations that are challenging for first responders to extinguish, meaning that the issue is likely to be a frightening one for current—or prospective—electric-vehicle owners.

From Popular-Science

These fires can be anything from regular residential accidents, environmental conflagrations near a base, or the kinds of blazes that can come from explosive detonation or active fighting on a battlefield.

From Popular-Science

This relatively obscure proposal sparked a national conflagration.

From Time

The conflagration in Georgia has spread into other states such as Texas, Florida, Michigan and Arizona, where both business interests and voting rights activists buoyed by newfound momentum are rethinking how to challenge GOP-backed voting measures.

From Washington Post

People treated at the program come from more than 100 countries, the newer refugees arriving from the most recent conflagration.

From The Daily Beast

The fires that corporate America lit have now become a conflagration beyond its control.

From The Daily Beast

A century ago, miscalculation was greatly to blame for thrusting Europe into a conflagration.

From The Daily Beast

The Boston Marathon bombings reminded the world how quickly a celebration can turn into a conflagration.

From The Daily Beast

The canisters, McMahon said, are to blame for the conflagration.

From The Daily Beast

But at that insult Garnache's brain seemed to take fire, and his cautious resolutions were reduced to ashes by the conflagration.

From Project Gutenberg

In the Brazils a conflagration of this kind never extends very far, as the vegetation is too green and offers too much opposition.

From Project Gutenberg

The last fang belonging to chimney-pot Liz had perished in that great conflagration!

From Project Gutenberg

The conflagration of Rome, attributed by Nero to the Christians, which was the ostensible cause of the first persecution.

From Project Gutenberg

A large number of warehouses, also, many of which were filled with wine and spirits, shared in the conflagration.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• blaze
• bonfire
• inferno
• wildfire