- Inflame
- Inflame In*flame", v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Inflamed}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Inflaming}.] [OE. enflamen, OF. enflamer, F.
enflammer, L. inflammare, inflammatum; pref. in- in +
flammare to flame, fr. flamma flame. See {Flame}.]
1. To set on fire; to kindle; to cause to burn, flame, or
glow.
[1913 Webster]
We should have made retreat By light of the inflamed fleet. --Chapman. [1913 Webster]
2. Fig.: To kindle or intensify, as passion or appetite; to excite to an excessive or unnatural action or heat; as, to inflame desire. [1913 Webster]
Though more, it seems, Inflamed with lust than rage. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
But, O inflame and fire our hearts. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
3. To provoke to anger or rage; to exasperate; to irritate; to incense; to enrage. [1913 Webster]
It will inflame you; it will make you mad. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
4. (Med.) To put in a state of inflammation; to produce morbid heat, congestion, or swelling, of; as, to inflame the eyes by overwork. [1913 Webster]
5. To exaggerate; to enlarge upon. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
A friend exaggerates a man's virtues, an enemy inflames his crimes. --Addison.
Syn: To provoke; fire; kindle; irritate; exasperate; incense; enrage; anger; excite; arouse. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.