conflagration

[ kon-fluh-grey-shuhn ]

/ ˌkɒn fləˈgreɪ ʃən /

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noun

a destructive fire, usually an extensive one.

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Origin of conflagration

First recorded in 1545–55; from Latin conflagrātiōn- (stem of conflagrātiō ), equivalent to conflagrāt(us), past participle of conflagrāre “to burn up”; see con-, -ate¹, -ion. Latin flagr- of conflagrāre is akin to fulgur “lightning,” flamma (see flame), Greek phlóx (see phlox)

synonym study for conflagration

See flame.

OTHER WORDS FROM conflagration

con·fla·gra·tive

[kon-fluh-grey-tiv], /ˈkɒn fləˌgreɪ tɪv/, adjective

Words nearby conflagration

confiscatory, confit, Confiteor, confiture, conflagrant, conflagration, conflate, conflation, conflict, conflicted, conflicting

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use conflagration in a sentence

As a series of conflagrations burn through much of California, displacing thousands and filling skies with smoke, it might seem strange to say that changes to a few statutes could make a difference.
California's Wildfire Problem Could Be Solved by a Few Legal Changes|Alejandro de la Garza|August 26, 2021|Time
Fires in electric vehicles are known for being intense conflagrations that are challenging for first responders to extinguish, meaning that the issue is likely to be a frightening one for current—or prospective—electric-vehicle owners.
GM is recalling all its Bolts, but there’s no need to panic about EV safety|Rob Verger|August 25, 2021|Popular-Science
These fires can be anything from regular residential accidents, environmental conflagrations near a base, or the kinds of blazes that can come from explosive detonation or active fighting on a battlefield.
This helpful tank-like robot fights fires, not people|Rob Verger|July 9, 2021|Popular-Science
This relatively obscure proposal sparked a national conflagration.
'Critical Race Theory Is Simply the Latest Bogeyman.' Inside the Fight Over What Kids Learn About America's History|Olivia B. Waxman|June 24, 2021|Time

The conflagration in Georgia has spread into other states such as Texas, Florida, Michigan and Arizona, where both business interests and voting rights activists buoyed by newfound momentum are rethinking how to challenge GOP-backed voting measures.
How the corporate backlash to Georgia’s new voting law is shaping other fights around the country over access to the polls|Amy Gardner, Mike DeBonis|April 12, 2021|Washington Post
People treated at the program come from more than 100 countries, the newer refugees arriving from the most recent conflagration.
You, Too, Could Be a Homicidal Zealot|Joel Gold|July 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The fires that corporate America lit have now become a conflagration beyond its control.
The South Has Indeed Risen Again and It’s Called the Tea Party|Jack Schwartz|December 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST
A century ago, miscalculation was greatly to blame for thrusting Europe into a conflagration.
Mideast War in Our Time?|Jamie Dettmer|May 31, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The Boston Marathon bombings reminded the world how quickly a celebration can turn into a conflagration.
Dutch Coronation Celebrations Clouded After Boston Marathon Bombing|Nadette De Visser|April 29, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The canisters, McMahon said, are to blame for the conflagration.
How Christopher Dorner Went Down|Christine Pelisek|February 14, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But at that insult Garnache's brain seemed to take fire, and his cautious resolutions were reduced to ashes by the conflagration.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
In the Brazils a conflagration of this kind never extends very far, as the vegetation is too green and offers too much opposition.
A Woman's Journey Round the World|Ida Pfeiffer
The last fang belonging to chimney-pot Liz had perished in that great conflagration!
The Garret and the Garden|R.M. Ballantyne
The conflagration of Rome, attributed by Nero to the Christians, which was the ostensible cause of the first persecution.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell
A large number of warehouses, also, many of which were filled with wine and spirits, shared in the conflagration.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III.|E. Farr and E. H. Nolan

British Dictionary definitions for conflagration

conflagration

/ (ˌkɒnfləˈɡreɪʃən) /

noun

a large destructive fire

Derived forms of conflagration

conflagrative, adjective

Word Origin for conflagration

C16: from Latin conflagrātiō, from conflagrāre to be burnt up, from com- (intensive) + flagrāre to burn; related to Latin fulgur lightning

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

conflagration

Origin of conflagration

synonym study for conflagration

OTHER WORDS FROM conflagration

Words nearby conflagration

Words related to conflagration

How to use conflagration in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for conflagration

Derived forms of conflagration

Word Origin for conflagration