combust

American  

[kuhm-buhst] / kəmˈbʌst /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to burn.

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combust British  

/ kəmˈbʌst /

adjective

1. astrology (of a star or planet) invisible for a period between 24 and 30 days each year due to its proximity to the sun

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verb

1. chem to burn

Etymology

Origin of combust

1325–75; Middle English < Latin combūstus (past participle of combūrere to burn up, equivalent to com- com- + -ūs- variant stem of ūrere to burn + -tus past participle suffix; -b- by misanalysis of ambūrere, another derivative, as am- + -būrere )

Example Sentences

In April this year, researchers in Italy described a range of heart injuries caused by toxic exposure to a set of chemicals found in combusted engine oil.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The type of fire where you’re combusting all types of man-made materials—we’re just beginning to understand how those components affect our health,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

But they have downsides—costly materials, a China-dominated supply chain that concerns Western governments and a tendency to combust if you’re not careful.

From The Wall Street Journal

A golf pro can have an immaculate swing on the range, then go out and combust in a tournament.

From Los Angeles Times

Even five World Cups in, she cannot hold back the tears at the national anthem, and looks like she will combust with passion at each wicket she claims.

From BBC