Dictionary entry

Inflame

Webster's Dictionary 1913

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.

We should have made retreat

By light of the inflamed fleet. Chapman.

2. Fig.: To kindle or intensify, as passion or appetite; to excite to an excessive or unnatural action or heat; as, to inflame desire.

Though more, it seems,

Inflamed with lust than rage. Milton.

But, O inflame and fire our hearts. Dryden.

3. To provoke to anger or rage; to exasperate; to irritate; to incense; to enrage.

It will inflame you; it will make you mad. Shak.

4. (Med.) To put in a state of inflammation; to produce morbid heat, congestion, or swelling, of; as, to inflame the eyes by overwork.

5. To exaggerate; to enlarge upon.

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.