arson

[ ahr-suhn ]

noun

1. Law. the malicious burning of another's house or property, or in some statutes, the burning of one's own house or property, as to collect insurance.

arson

/ ˈɑːsən /

noun

1. criminal law the act of intentionally or recklessly setting fire to another's property or to one's own property for some improper reason

Derived Forms

• ˈarsonist, noun

Other Words From

• arson·ous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of arson¹

First recorded in 1670–80; from Anglo-French, Old French, from Late Latin ārsiōn-, stem of ārsiō “a burn,” from ārs(us) “burned” (past participle of Latin ārd(ere) “to burn”; ardent ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of arson¹

C17: from Old French, from Medieval Latin ārsiō, from Latin ārdēre to burn; see ardent

Example Sentences

The main Islamist faction which led the uprising that toppled President Bashar al-Assad said the men responsible for the arson were foreign fighters and had been detained and that the tree would be swiftly repaired.

From BBC

Two years after his arrest, Mr Hakamata was convicted of murder and arson and sentenced to death.

From BBC

Most bomb threat cases are handled by the Major Crime Division’s Criminal Conspiracy Section, which also investigates bombings, complex arsons and suspects found in possession of bomb-making materials.

From Los Angeles Times

Villanueva, who was taken into custody Wednesday after a traffic stop, was booked on suspicion of arson of a structure and arson of personal property.

From Los Angeles Times

Fishlock, 31, of Sheffield Road, Barnsley, initially denied violent disorder and arson with intent to endanger life but later pleaded guilty to the charges.

From BBC

Related Words

• torching