v. in·flamed, in·flam·ing, in·flames v.tr. 1. To arouse to passionate feeling or action: crimes that inflamed the entire community. 2. To make more violent; intensify: "inflamed to madness an already savage nature" (Robert Graves). 3. a. To cause (the skin) to redden or grow hot, as from strong emotion or stimulants. b. To turn red or make glow: Great bonfires inflamed the night. 4. To produce inflammation in (a tissue or organ). 5. To set on fire; kindle. v.intr. 1. To become excited or aroused. 2. To be affected by inflammation. 3. To catch fire. [Middle English enflaumen, from Old French enflammer, from Latin īnflammāre : in-, intensive pref.; see IN-2 + flammāre, to set on fire (from flamma, flame; see bhel-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).] in·flamer n. |
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