Words / C1

in-FLAM-uh-tree/ɪnˈflæmətri/

Inflammatory means likely to stir anger or violence; also relating to swelling in the body: inflammatory language, an inflammatory condition. Inflame (this batch) is the verb; provocative is a cousin. Copy on the stairs is still a leak if it names the grade.

Meaning

Likely to stir anger or violence; also relating to swelling in the body.

Examples

• “Inflammatory copy on the stairs is still a leak if it names the grade.”
• “Provocative is the close twin. Incendiary is hotter. Stairs are a corridor. A grade is embargoed. Keep the number off the walls; then hang the art.”

Good to know

Likely to stir anger (also: of swelling). Verb: inflame (this batch). Stair copy ≠ a lifted embargo.

Near in meaning

provocative, incendiary, seditious

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