Definition of incendiary
Etymology
From Latin incendiārius (“setting alight”), from incendium (“destructive fire”), from incendō (“set on fire, kindle”)
Pronunciation
- (UK) enPR: ĭnsĕn'dĭər", IPA: /ɪnˈsɛn.dɪ.əɹ.ɪ/, /ɪnˈsɛn.djəɹ.ɪ/, SAMPA: /In"sEn.dI.@r.I/, /In"sEn.dj@r.I/
- (US) enPR: ĭnsĕn´dĭĕ'r", IPA: /ɪnˈsɛn.di.ɛr.i/, /ɪnˈsɛn.di.ɚ.i/, SAMPA: /In"sEn.di.Er.i/, /In"sEn.di.@`.i/
- Audio (US) [?]
Adjective
incendiary (comparative more incendiary, superlative most incendiary)
- Capable of causing fire.
- Intentionally stirring up strife, riot, rebellion
- Inflammatory, emotionally charged.
Politics is an incendiary topic; it tends to cause fights to break out.
Noun
incendiary (plural incendiaries)
- Something capable of causing fire, particularly a weapon.
The military used incendiaries to destroy the building, fortunately the fire didn't spread.
References:
- Wiktionary. Published under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
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