inflame
Definitions
To make someone's feelings, especially anger or passion, much stronger; to stir up.
激怒，煽动，使（情绪，尤指愤怒）加剧。
To cause part of the body to become red, hot, swollen, and painful.
使（身体某部位）发炎、红肿。
To set on fire (literary or archaic).
点燃，使燃烧（文学或古义）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedHere in- means 'into / onto,' NOT 'not' — to set fire INTO something (Latin inflammāre). Literally to ignite, then figuratively to fire up: inflame a crowd (rouse to anger) or inflame a wound (make it hot and swollen). The same 'set ablaze' covers tempers and tissue.
Root flamm still carries 7 more wordsWhy It Means This
The trap is the prefix. Because in- usually means 'not' (invisible, incapable), learners expect inflame to mean 'put out a fire' — the exact opposite of the truth. This in- is the directional one, 'into.' Once you read it as 'set fire into,' both senses click: you can inflame a debate and inflame a sprained ankle, because both get heated and swollen.
Common Collocations
- 1.inflame tensions加剧紧张
- 2.inflame passions激起激情
- 3.inflame anger激起怒火
- 4.inflame a situation使局势恶化
- 5.inflame the skin使皮肤发炎
Example Sentences
- 1.
His careless remarks only inflamed the crowd's anger.
- 2.
Rubbing the cut can inflame the surrounding skin.
- 3.
The article was written to inflame, not to inform.
Easily Confused
inflame vs ignite — both can mean 'set on fire,' but ignite is literal (ignite the fuel) while inflame is mostly figurative or medical: you inflame emotions or a wound, you ignite a flame. Don't say 'inflame the campfire' — say ignite or light it.