accelerant

American  

[ak-sel-er-uhnt] / ækˈsɛl ər ənt /

noun

1. something that speeds up a process.

2. Chemistry. accelerator.

3. a substance that accelerates the spread of fire or makes a fire more intense.

   Arson was suspected when police found accelerants at the scene of the fire.

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accelerant British  

/ ækˈsɛlərənt /

noun

1. chem another name for accelerator

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accelerant Scientific  

/ ăk-sĕl′ər-ənt /

1. A substance, such as a petroleum distillate, that is used as a catalyst, as in spreading an intentionally set fire.

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Etymology

Origin of accelerant

1915–20; < Latin accelerant- (stem of accelerāns ) hastening (present participle of accelerāre ). See accelerate

Example Sentences

Another risk is that nonbanks, including hedge funds, could be forced to sell assets in a downturn, and derivatives-market activity could act as an accelerant in a selloff.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

It would be naive to say that wasn’t an accelerant.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

The chatbots, it added, had become a "powerful accelerant for harm."

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

More than just a champion, Alcaraz has been an accelerant, a signal of how an old game like tennis can reignite and improve, even upon its greatest.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

The force said an accelerant was used to start the fire.

From BBC • Jul. 20, 2025