incinerate

[in-sin-uh-reyt]

verb (used with object)

incinerated, incinerating 

1. to burn or reduce to ashes; cremate.

incinerate

/ ɪnˈsɪnəˌreɪt /

verb

1. to burn up completely; reduce to ashes

Other Word Forms

• incineration noun
• unincinerated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of incinerate¹

1545–55; < Medieval Latin incinerātus (past participle of incinerāre ) < Latin in- in- ² + ciner- (stem of cinis ) ashes + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of incinerate¹

C16: from Medieval Latin incinerāre, from Latin _in- ² + cinis ashes

Example Sentences

Vapes mixed in with general waste, which is often ultimately incinerated, cause less serious problems than those in general recycling.

From BBC

Entire villages have been emptied, homes and businesses destroyed and hundreds of vehicles incinerated, including more than 500 cars at a customs yard.

From BBC

People died, houses were incinerated, neighborhoods were eradicated.

From Los Angeles Times

Approaching 70, they know they can replace the house they lost on West Palm, where nearly their entire block was incinerated.

From Los Angeles Times

Although some of the plastic is recycled in these nations, much of it is incinerated or placed in landfills, where it chokes rivers and flows into the ocean.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• consume 
• cremate 
• ignite 
• scorch 
• torch