Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To cause something to start burning intensely; to set on fire.
   • To ignite or inflame, often with a sense of suddenness or intensity.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To start burning or burst into flames; to catch fire.
   • To become inflamed or ablaze.

Usage

• As a transitive verb, "conflagrate" takes a direct object (e.g., ).
• As an intransitive verb, it does not take a direct object (e.g., ).
• It is a formal and literary word, often used to describe the sudden, violent start of a large or dangerous fire.

Examples

• Transitive Verb:

  • Sparks from the locomotive conflagrated the parched field.
  • The act of arson was meant to conflagrate the entire warehouse district.

• Intransitive Verb:

  • The chemical mixture became unstable and conflagrated.
  • Without warning, the gas leak conflagrated, causing an explosion.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: Can be used metaphorically to describe something becoming intensely active or emotional.
  • Tensions between the two groups conflagrated into open conflict.
  • Her speech conflagrated the passions of the crowd.

Variants and Related Words

• Conflagration (n): A large, destructive fire.
  • The city worked for days to control the conflagration.
• Inflammable / Flammable (adj): Easily set on fire.
• Combust (v): To catch fire or burn. (A more common synonym in technical contexts).

Synonyms

• Ignite: To set on fire.
• Kindle: To start a fire; to arouse or inspire.
• Inflame: To set on fire; to provoke strong feelings.
• Combust: To burn or catch fire.

Antonyms

• Extinguish: To put out a fire.
• Quench: To extinguish or suppress.
• Douse: To drench with liquid, especially to put out a fire.

Notes on Usage

• "Conflagrate" is less common in everyday speech than simpler verbs like , , or . Its use typically implies a sudden, dramatic, or large-scale event.
• It shares a root with the more common noun "conflagration."

Verb

1. start to burn or burst into flames
   • Marsh gases ignited suddenly
   • The oily rags combusted spontaneously
2. cause to start burning
   • The setting sun kindled the sky with oranges and reds