Words / C2

konfl-uh-GRAYSHUN/ˌkɒnfləˈɡreɪʃn/

A conflagration is a large, destructive fire, and, by extension, a sudden outbreak of fierce conflict: a warehouse conflagration, a conflagration of blame. Fire (already in the dictionary) is everyday and smaller; a maelstrom (already in the dictionary) is a violent swirl of emotion, not a blaze, and a blight (already in the dictionary) is a spoiling force, not flames. Corridor heat is not a numbered objection.

Meaning

A large, destructive fire; also a sudden outbreak of fierce conflict.

Examples

• “A conflagration of blame in the corridor is not a numbered objection.”
• “Fire is everyday (already in A2). A maelstrom is a violent swirl (already in C2). A blight is a spoiling force (already in C2). A dated flame-risk line can still be calm. A storm that never names the warden is theatre. Write the finding; then the metaphor may burn.”

Good to know

A huge destructive fire. Everyday: fire (already in this dictionary). Close: maelstrom (already in C2). Contrast: blight (spoiling force — already in C2). Blame ≠ a minute.

Near in meaning

blaze, inferno, firestorm, outbreak

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